How to Choose the best ovens and hobs Uk Hob

When selecting the ideal hob to buy there are a lot of aspects to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.

A basic ceramic electric hob costs just PS100. However you'll need to pay more for a model with numerous features. Gas hobs are also a popular choice and provide great temperature control, but they're also pricier.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this hob from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was also among the most efficient tests to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It comes with the child lock as well as a the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.

Its design is sleek and modern it blends seamlessly with modern kitchens. It is usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit directly on the worktop.

The controls are intuitive to use and we liked the clear display that informs the current power setting and which of the five zones are active. The 'Boost' feature creates high-powered heat for a short period of time, and is perfect for stir-frying or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil fast. The hob's hot light and auto shut-off are great safety features, too.

However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs tested in this test. We found it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, compared with six or seven on other models. It also takes longer to react when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings several times before your pan is at the right temperature.

This 60 cm model includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated at both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost model is great for frying and searing meat, or bringing pots of water to the rapid boiling point.

It's fully connected via the hOn app and comes with 100's of recipes, with guided cooking and 30 unique programs divided into different food categories and preparation styles. It has a multislider control panel that has a lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans from third-party manufacturers and comes with a number of safety features like 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 are looking for a gas-free option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the past few years. Basic four-zone models can be found for less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a little more.

This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction tech to keep your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognizes pots with dimensions of at least 9cm and then automatically selects the zone that is appropriate.

Smeg's attention to energy savings doesn't overlook flexibility either The hob is built to save power by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking preferences. There are also options to save even more energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 kW.

Testers were impressed with the user-friendly interface of this hob, with intuitive sliding controls that slide along the edge of the hob in order to follow your pan. The control panel's colour scheme allows you to quickly determine the operating status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones together to cater for larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, such as four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting boiling, melting slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost to get results that are quick and efficient.

The oven also comes with a FlameSensor which will alert you in the event of a food item being burned or the possibility of a fire. There are also several safety features, such as a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature if the surface is too hot.

It also has the CleanProtect coating that is designed to protect it from tough stains and cooking marks. The stove is simple to install and has nine power levels and a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are a host of extra features, including locking controls and a safety fuse in case of accidental button-pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They use copper plates to generate magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. This means they can heat up faster than gas hobs and also conserve energy since the cooking zone only is heated when you turn on a pan. They are generally cheaper to operate than gas, and they are also easier to clean.

This induction hob by Indesit is packed full of features that allow you to create your own ideas in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to form an Integrated Zone for larger pans as well as an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. Push&Go, for example, allows you to cook with perfection with the click of one button. And nine power modes, including a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for 5 minutes, can be easily selected with the controls, which move along the bottom edge of the cooktop to follow your pans.

The controls are easy to operate and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and was quick to heat up when we put an oven uk on the Booster zone. It took some time to cool down after turning off the hob, and our test subjects had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.

This Indesit hob also has a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It has a child lock and an overheating block as well as an automatic switch-off feature that stops the hob from working if it gets too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there were no visible flames or flammable substances and the glass was easy to clean. Ventilated hobs in contrast to traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan and out of the room through a duct on the surface. Our experts believed that this hob's duct was easy to clean, even though it required two people to lift the filter out to change it.

4. Induction Hob manufactured by General Electric

When selecting a hob, consider how it fits into your kitchen's design and layout, and also your cooking style and life. For example, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features like an automatic shut-off or cool to the touch surface could make an induction best hob an ideal option. For those who value efficiency and speed, an electric hob with a clean ceramic glass facia is the best hobs choice. Gas hobs are a great option for those who live in areas susceptible to power outages.