The Biggest Problem With Best Hob And How To Fix It
How to Choose the Best Hob
When selecting the ideal hob to buy there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. From cost to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are essential is vital.
A basic electric ceramic stove can cost as low as PS100, but you'll need to spend more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs, which are popular and provide excellent temperature control, but are expensive, are a different alternative.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this stove from Haier can help you make quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking only four minutes. It has a child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process quickly without having to mess with controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary, and works well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features touch controls that sit flush with the worktop for easy use.
The controls were easy to operate, and we liked the display that shows the current power level as well as which zone is active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a short period of time, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pans of boiling water to the boil quickly. ovens uk and auto shut-off are great security features, too.
However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs we tested. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, compared to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings several times before your pan is at the right temperature.
The model in 60 cm comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone that two areas can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to operate with both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is ideal for frying and searing meat, or bringing pans of water to a rapid boiling point.
It is fully connected through the hOn App and has 100's of recipes, guided cooking, and 30 special programmes divided into different food categories and types of cooking. It has a multislider control panel with a 'lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to set the proper cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn pans made by third-party manufacturers and comes with a number of security features, including a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped dramatically in the past few years. ovens uk -zone models are now sold for less that PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a bit more.
This slick-looking model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction technology that makes your cooking efficient and easy. The unique Auto-pot detection system automatically recognises the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9 cm, allowing you to select the correct zone without having to manually select it.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency doesn't overlook flexibility either - this hob is designed to reduce power consumption by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking needs. There are other options to save energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 kW.
Testers were awed by the user-friendly interface of this hob, with intuitive sliding controls that slide along the edges of the hob to follow the pan. The control panel's colour-coded scheme makes it easy to identify the status of each zone. The "Flexi Duo" function allows you connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are numerous useful functions, including four automated cooking settings: melting, boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.
The hob also has a FlameSensor that can alert you in the event of a burnt-on meal or the possibility of a fire. There are several safety features, including a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface is too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough staining and cooking marks. This hob has nine power levels, a 'FlexiDuo feature' to accommodate large pans and is easy to install. There are a host of bonus features, like locking controls and a safety fuse in the event of accidental button-pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Electricity is the primary source of power, rather than gas, induction hobs use copper plates that create an electric field when the pan is placed on the top. They are able to heat up faster than gas hobs, and they use less energy since the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on the pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas and they are also simpler to clean.
Indesit's induction cooktop is packed of features that will allow you to be creative when cooking. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as an instant booster zone to quickly bring the water to a boil. Push&Go, for example, lets you cook flawlessly at the touch a button. And nine power modes that include a 'P boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for 5 minutes, can be easily selected using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the hob to track your pans.
The controls are easy to use and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it was able to boil pasta water in a flash and was quick to heat up when we put an oven in the Booster zone. However, it took an extended time to cool down after we shut off the hob and our test participants were unable to pinpoint the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also has a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones for larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and overheating block, as well as an auto shut-off feature that stops the appliance from working when it's heated to the point of. Our test subjects were pleased that there were no messy, visible flames and the glass was easy to wipe clean. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. The duct on this hob was easy to clean, however it took two people in order to take the filter out.
4. GE Induction Hob
When selecting a hob think about how it will fit to your kitchen's design and layout, as well as your cooking style and lifestyle. Induction hobs are an excellent option if you cook with kids or elderly in mind. They have safety features like automatic shut-offs as well as a cool-to-touch surface. Alternatively, for those who prefer speed and efficiency an electric hob that has a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is a great choice. Gas hobs are a good option for those who live in areas prone to power outages.