The Best Hobs

Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable and stylish, as well as easy to clean.

Our experts prefer gas hobs and ovens for their precise flame control and versatility. But, electric models provide superior energy efficiency and are more easy to clean. Look for features such as a timer and power boost that let you increase the heat quickly to speed up cooking.

1. Hobs induction

Induction ovens hobs provide a contemporary efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do magnet technology to heat the copper coils that are beneath your pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch and is therefore safer to use and simpler for cleaning. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a common kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's test kitchen and we appreciate this sleek, premium model from AEG which boasts four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are simple to use. However, the heat distribution is patchy. This is a frequent complaint with all induction hobs.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive eco credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating and a low power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets the pans to be moved between the four zones, and adjust the power levels to suit the pots or pans you use. Additionally, the "Power boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up the boiling process. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function, as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents the pan from overheating, so you never have to worry about burnt food items.

This is a fantastic low-cost induction hob that can be easily wired and attached to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified with the ring or cross to indicate the coil centre. There's also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It comes with a large "Flux Zone" that can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. It also comes pre-programmed with preset power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is great if you often cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought to a boil, simmered and kept warm while cooking.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop, for those who are American) still reigns supreme in cooking in the kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water boiling soups and sauces, simmering them as well as pan-frying eggs and frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to create high levels of heat quickly and precisely, making them ideal for searing and boiling.

The flame indicator's visual display allows you to see the status of each burner at an instant. This is very useful for security. With an electric hob, it's less likely to switch off an appliance or forget it was turned on.

The majority of models have a flat surface that makes them less difficult to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. However, it's apparent that there's nothing that can fend off splashes and spillages completely, so you'll need to keep on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time.

Gas hobs are also more efficient in energy than their induction counterparts since they are able to heat faster and more evenly, reducing the cost of electricity. This is particularly the case with vented hobs, which combine two appliances and eliminate the need for an Hood. This will save space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker look that will be a perfect fit with any style of interior.

Because of their effectiveness ovens and hobs uk ease of use, many homeowners opt for gas hobs that are freestanding rather than built-in versions. They are less difficult to install and provide more flexibility in the event that you want to create a minimalist kitchen designs.

A freestanding model is connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. You'll need to locate an LPG stove and boiler you like before you think about this alternative. Additionally, these models will require a gas supply and ventilation as well as regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.

3. Hobs with Sealed Plates

Induction hobs are a great option for those who want a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat ceramic-ceramic glass surface remains cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, as they consume less electricity than electric or gas counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they are expensive to purchase and you'll require an induction-compatible set of cookware.

Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for those who do not want to invest in the induction technology. These stylish and stylish hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic finish with heating elements that are hidden beneath that make them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs and easier to clean, as there's no need for a complicated cleaning. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they are behind induction hobs when it comes to energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy consumption this might not be the right choice for you.

Solid plate hobs are a good budget alternative, with a simple and reliable design that's perfect for cooking in the everyday. They're easy to warm up and are perfect for those who don't need an electric cooktop, however they're not quick to cool down, which is why they're not the best choice for chefs who are able to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs also release a lot of residual heat, making them not as efficient like the other choices on this list.

If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we recommend choosing one that has been rated by customers on the websites of retailers. Not only will this give you an honest insight into how it works however, it will also help you to find a model that's right for your home. The customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and Best Ovens and Hobs it's finished in robust stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it an elegant and minimalist look.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks due to their quick heating and easy to control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking functions like power up settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.

When choosing an electric hob make sure you choose one that has a sleek design oven with hob touch controls, and no buttons or dials hanging out. They are easier to clean if they have a flat surface that doesn't scratch or chip. For safety, choose a model with child locks with hot indicators, as well as residual heat shut-offs that can prevent accidents. If you have a smart home, you might opt for an electronic display that lets you control your hob remotely and receive notifications via your smartphone.

Think about a dual-fuel hob that has gas and induction burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones as well as hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set specific cooking times so that your food is cooked when you require it. This reduces the risk of cooking too long and makes your food less tasty.

Additionally, for greater convenience, you might want a model that allows you to join two cooking zones into one zone for [Redirect-302] pans of different sizes and shapes. This can save space and can be beneficial for cooking in large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or grills to give you additional cooking options.

There are cheap gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and higher-end models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a major brand should cost not more than PS200. And if you want a stylish glass model, it shouldn't break the bank too, since there are fantastic options that are made by own brand. Be aware that both induction and ceramic hobs require a particular supply that is plugged in with the correct cables and breakers to work so you'll have to have it installed by a certified electrician.