Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for your needs depends on the type of worktop you have and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important considerations when choosing the right hob.
If you opt for a brand-name model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are less difficult to clean and come with various safety features such as an indicator that glows red when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
Whether you're looking to cook up a quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique, a movable hob is crucial. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, with features like dual wok burners as well as a large cooking area, making them ideal for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option of adding a built-in extractor fan that eliminates the need for an overhead appliance and freeing space on your worktop.
Gas hobs provide instant warmth. It's no wonder that they are so popular. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure you aren't at risk of carbon build-up on your hob or a fire bursting. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pan itself rather than the surface of the cooker which makes them more easy to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces can expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs bring the benefits of both gas and induction cooking in one product which allows you to switch between the two depending on the type of food you're making. They're ideal for those who want to expand their culinary skills but don't have the time or space for a major kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a model which provides flexibility in design and performance. Its dual flex zones can be combined to fit larger pots or pans. The controls also have a child lock that prevents children from altering the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so you can manage its functions from your smartphone.
If you're in search of a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to the Wi-Fi network in your home take a look at this model from Smeg. It has many features that make cooking easier and faster, such as automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer, and a pause feature. It's also extremely easy to use with control buttons that respond immediately to changes in the recipe and a sleek design that could be perfect for modern kitchens.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs use the minimal amount of energy regardless of whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This means they're an excellent choice for those who want to cut their electricity costs. Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan, preventing the glass from heating up. This makes them the most secure choice and prevents accidental burns. Gas hobs aren't as efficient, but they're less expensive than electric ones.
Our top choice Miele I Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'IFlex' zone, which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single area so you can cook with large pots and pans. Its touch controls have an option for children to lock the controls to ensure that children cannot switch off the stove or alter settings this is a great feature for households with small kids. The ceramic glass is matte however it is easy to clean by wiping it clean.
This hob also has an "Pan detection function" that will shut off power to a specific cooking zone when you take off the pan. It's not the only hob with this feature, but it's an excellent addition to simplify your life for those who cook a lot for an entire family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that is connected to the internet so that you can control it via an app on your phone. It will notify you when food is ready, so you don't overcook. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is very fast for an induction hob. It has cooking zones that are flexible which you can combine and the 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting making it easy to turn off.
The induction cooker is portable and has a slim design that's perfect for camping trips or taking to university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we tested, but still has an extensive set of cooking functions and a responsive touch slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that lets you to alter the temperature of your pan by dragging it up and down the surface of your hob. This is great to make caramel and sauces.
3. Convenience
You should think about how the hob will fit in your kitchen and what it can contribute to improving the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow your options and select the model that's ideal for you, your family and your home. It is also advisable to read reviews to find out what others think of the appliance. This will aid in understanding its strengths and weaknesses.
Some hob brands have smart technology that makes them the first choice for those looking to control their cooking using their smartphones. For instance Samsung's models have electronic timers that let you to set precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is especially useful for people who have hectic lives, since the timer will ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without having to constantly monitor them.
Gas hobs are also a great option for those who prefer traditional style, since they can be used with a range of cookware designs and sizes. This includes non-flat-bottomed cookware and pans that can be difficult to accommodate on other hobs. Gas hobs usually come with a range of settings, so that you can alter the temperature to suit your recipe.
Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking to modernize their kitchens since they have faster heat-up times and are more efficient than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are especially popular since they can reduce space by condensing the oven and the hob into one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls on a stove and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, since it can assist in avoiding burns and other injuries. Additionally there are many induction hobs that have an option to link two zones together to create a larger cooking space, which can be useful if you're using large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob will include a number of safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the hob is heated. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs feature a child lock to prevent children from turning on the hob or changing settings. Some hobs have the ability to combine two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook a large pan.
This is a great feature for families and can keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It works by observing the temperature of the hob. If it finds that the pan hasn't been properly placed or if there's an ignition on the stove, it will automatically turn off the burner. This is a fantastic way to ensure that your home is secure and is something you should be looking for when shopping for.
You can choose between electric, gas, and induction hobs. A gas hob uses the use of a flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob features electric rings that you are able to control by pressing one button. There is also the induction hob which uses a magnetic field to heat your pans. It won't turn on unless you place a magnetizable pan on it. This is a highly efficient hob, and will cool quickly once the here pan is removed.
This kind of hob can be an ideal space saver since it does not require an extractor fan. This means that you can have a sleek kitchen design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs but it's a great option for any family. It can be used to remove excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can enhance the air quality at home. This is a great option for families because it can protect against burns and is easy to clean. When selecting a kitchen appliance, there are a lot of options to think about. Take the time to research them all before making your choice.