How to Choose the Best Hob
When deciding on the best hob there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. From cost to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.
A basic electric ceramic hob can cost as low as PS100 however, you'll have to pay more for a feature-packed model. Gas hobs are also a popular choice, and offer great temperature control, however they are 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 fastest tests to boil water, which took just under four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and features a pause function, so you can quickly stop the process without having to mess around with the controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary, blending in well with modern kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit in a flush position on the countertop.
The controls are easy to operate and we loved the clear display that tells the current power setting, and which of the five zones are in use. The 'Boost" feature creates powerful heat in a short time. It's ideal for stir-frying and rapidly boiling pans. The hob's light that is hot and the automatic shutoff are helpful safety features, too.
However, it's not as sensitive to touch as other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, as opposed to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer for the pan to react when you alter the temperature. You may need to adjust the settings multiple times before you get the proper heat.
This 60 cm model has four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone that two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. Dual-ring design permits it to operate on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost model is great for frying, searing meat or bringing water pans to the rapid boiling point.
It is fully connected to the hOn App, and offers 100's of recipes, guided cooking, and 30 unique programs divided into various food categories and types of preparation. It features a simple multislider interface as well as a lockable' control panel, plus it can automatically detect the kind of pan you're using and set up the right cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn sets and has a range of safety features, like an adjustable control panel that locks and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or searching for a non-gas option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the past few years. Basic four-zone models can be found for less than PS100. If you want all the bells and whistles that are included in the induction system, it's worth paying extra for the latest innovations.
This sleek-looking model from Smeg features the latest induction technology to make your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots that have a minimum diameter of 9cm, allowing you to select the correct zone without having to select it manually.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency 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 needs. click here to read -Logic advanced mode allows you to conserve more energy, reducing the power output to as little as 2.4kW.
The user-friendly interface of this cooker impressed testers, with its simple sliding controls that follow your pan's edge the edges of it. The control panel's color scheme helps you quickly identify the operational status of each zone, and the Flexi Duo function allows you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pots. There are plenty of useful functions, including four cooking presets for automatic cooking (melting, boiling, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for quick results.
The oven also comes with a FlameSensor that can alert you when there's a risk of a food item being burned or a fire. There are a variety of safety features, including a residual heat indicator as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface is too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with the CleanProtect coating that is designed to protect it from tough stains and cooking marks. The hob comes with nine power levels and a 'FlexiDuo feature' to accommodate large pans and is easy to install. There are also a number of extra features, including lockable controls and an emergency 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 a magnetic field when the pan is set on the top. This means they can reach temperatures more quickly than gas hobs and also save energy as the cooking zone only heats up when you turn on the pan. They are generally cheaper to run than gas, and they are also easier to clean.
This induction hob from Indesit is packed with features that make it easy to be creative in the kitchen. It has two separate 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. For instance, the Push&Go lets you cook flawlessly by pressing one button. The controls are easy to operate and allow you to choose nine power modes including the P boost option that provides maximum power to each zone for five minutes.
The controls are easy to operate and feature an elegant, minimalist design that is perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests it quickly heated up a pan after we placed it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. It took some time to cool down after turning off the hob, and our testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.
As well as the Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob has a useful bridge function that lets you combine two cooking zones to suit larger pans. It also comes with an overheating and child lock block as well as an auto shut-off feature that stops the appliance from working when it's too hot. The ceramic glass is simple to clean and there are no flames visible. Our testers liked the fact that it's. Ventilated hobs, unlike traditional extractors, draw steam and smoke from the pan out of the room by a duct on the surface. Our experts thought the duct on this hob was easy to keep clean, although it took two people to lift the filter out to change it.
4. Induction Hob from General Electric
When choosing a new hob think about how it will fit into your kitchen's design and layout, and also your cooking style and lifestyle. For example, if you often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as an automatic shut-off feature and a cool to the touch surface can make an induction stove an ideal option. For those who value speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass front on an electric hob is the ideal choice. Gas hobs are an excellent alternative for those living in areas that are susceptible to power outages.