The Best Hobs

Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are sturdy elegant, stylish and chef easy to clean.

Gas hobs are favored by our experts due to their versatility and precise control of the flame. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. Look for features like a timer or power boost that allow you to boost the heat quickly to speed up cooking.

1. Induction hobs and ovens

Induction hobs provide a contemporary efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space like gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to warm up the copper coils below your pans. The cooktop stays cool to touch, making it more secure to use and easier for cleaning. They boil water faster than kettles and require less energy. They are now a staple appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen and we appreciate this elegant, premium model from AEG which comes with four cooking zones, each with its own controlled functions and an efficient minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are easy to use. However, the heat distribution is uneven. This is a common complaint for all induction hobs.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years 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 allows you move your pans within the four zones, and you can adjust the power levels to suit your pots or saucepans. In addition, the "Power Boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50% to speed the boiling process. The auto-shutoff function and the 'fryingSensor' that helps to prevent overheating of your pan, are also useful features.

This is an induction stove with a low price tag that can be hardwired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones that are independently controlled are clearly identified with a ring or cross to indicate where the center of the coil lies beneath, while there's a simple touch-control panel. It features a large "Flux zone" that can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease and is pre-programmed so that you have set power levels in the front and back zones. This is a great option when cooking with a variety of pans of various sizes and shapes that need to be heated up, simmered at the same time, and then kept warm.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) remains the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are ideal for boiling water simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them as well as pan-frying. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately generate high temperatures making them ideal for searing and boiling.

The visual flame indicator allows users to check the status of each burner in a glance, which is beneficial for security reasons. With an electric hob, it's harder to accidentally switch on a burner or forget that it was turned on.

The majority of models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes and spills. You'll need to remain cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy-efficient than their induction counterparts, as they heat up faster and evenly, reducing energy costs. This is particularly true for vented stoves that combine the two appliances in one unit and eliminate the need for vent hoods. This can save on the space in your kitchen as well as creating a sleeker design that will be able to blend in oven with hob any style of interior.

Many homeowners prefer gas hobs with freestanding design over built-in models due to their effectiveness and ease of use. They are simpler to set up and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve minimalist kitchen designs.

A freestanding model is connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a different source of energy. This is a great option for those who you want to go green. You'll need to find an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you can look into this option. Moreover, these models will require gas supply and ventilation as well as regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.

3. Hobs for Sealed Plates

Induction hobs are the best option if you want an elegant, energy-efficient appliance. They heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental fire!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than their gas or electrical counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and chef you will need to invest in induction-compatible cookware.

If you don't wish to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top with hidden heating elements. They're more visually pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs since they don't require lengthy scouring. 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 you're conscious of your energy usage this may not be the right choice for you.

Solid plate hobs, the low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are great for cooking at home. They're quick to warm up and are perfect for those who don't require an electric cooktop, however they're slow to cool down, so they're not the best choice for dynamic chefs who like to do multiple tasks. Solid plate hobs also give off a lot of residual heat, making them not as efficient like the other options on this list.

If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we suggest looking for one that has been reviewed by customers on retailer websites. Not only will this give you an honest insight into how it works and how it's used, but it can assist you in locating a model that's right for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's finished in robust stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other appliances in the kitchen with a sleek and contemporary look.

4. Electric Hobs

Electric hobs have the benefit of being energy efficient. While gas hobs can be the preferred choice of many chefs due to their rapid heating ovens and hobs easy control, they are also a popular choice because they provide instant heating. And with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, like power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a great option for busy households.

Look for an electric hob with a a streamlined design with touch controls. Avoid those with dials or buttons that are protruding. This makes them less difficult to clean, particularly when you choose an even surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to stop accidents. If you have a smart home, you might want to choose an electronic display that allows you to manage your hob from afar and receive notifications via your smartphone.

Look into a dual-fuel stove that comes with both induction and gas burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 hybrid oven hob has both, with intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set cooking times to ensure that food is ready when you need it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long and makes your food less delicious.

To make cooking more convenient For Best Oven added convenience, a model that has two separate cooking pans of different shapes and sizes is the best option. This will save space and be useful when cooking with large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs have the option of adding induction plates or Teppanyaki grills to provide additional cooking options.

Gas hobs are available in a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to top-of-the-line models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand should not cost more than PS200. If you prefer a glass model, there are many excellent options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the correct cables and breakers in order to work, so you'll need it installed by an electrician.