How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to consider when choosing the ideal hob, ranging from the price to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is essential.
A basic ceramic electric hob costs as little as PS100. However you'll need to pay more for a model that comes with numerous features. Gas hobs are another popular choice and provide great temperature control, however they are pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this cooker from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was one of the fastest to boil water in our tests, taking just four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and has a pause function, so you can quickly stop the process without having to faff around with controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary it blends seamlessly with modern kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and rest in a flush position on the countertop.
The controls are simple to use and we liked the clear display that tells you the current power settings and which of the five zones are in use. The "Boost" feature generates high-powered heat in a short time. It is ideal to stir fry and speedily heating up pans. Safety features like the hot hob light or automatic shut-off are also useful.
However it's not as sensitive to touch as other hobs in this test. We found that it took nine presses on the control to attain the highest temperature in contrast to six or seven on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the temperature of cooking, which means you may have to change settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.
The model measures 60 cm and comes with four cooking zones. One of them is a half-flex zone which allows two areas to easily be joined to accommodate larger pots or pans. It has a dual-ring design and is able to operate on both normal' and 'boost power levels. It is great for cooking meat while searing it or bringing water to a rapid boiling.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and boasts hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 special programs divided into different food categories and preparation types. It features a multislider controls panel with a 'lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to determine the appropriate cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn pans from third-party manufacturers and comes with various security features, including a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free option. Prices have slashed over the past few years, with the simplest four-zone models starting at less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth the extra cost for the latest innovations.
This sleek-looking model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction technology to make your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The unique Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with minimum diameters of 9cm, which allows you to switch on the appropriate zone without having to select it manually.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency does not mean that they don't offer flexibility - this hob is designed to reduce power consumption by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking preferences. Eco-Logic advanced mode lets you to save more energy by reducing the power output to as low as 2.4kW.
The user-friendly interface of this stove was a hit with testers, thanks to its simple sliding controls that follow your pan along the edge of it. The control panel's colour scheme allows you to quickly determine the operational status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones together to accommodate larger pans. There are numerous useful functions, including four automated cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.
The hob also has a FlameSensor which will alert you in the event of a meal that's been burned or a fire. There are a variety of safety features like the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface is too hot.
It also has an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to protect it from tough staining and cooking marks. The hob comes with nine power levels and an 'FlexiDuo feature' that is perfect to allow for large pans, and is easy to install. There are a host 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 stoves utilize copper plates that create a magnetic field when the pan is placed on top. They can heat up much quicker than gas hobs, and they also use less energy because the cooking area only gets hot when you turn on your pan. They're generally less expensive than gas and are easier to wipe clean too making them an extremely popular choice.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to help you get creative in the cooking. It has two separate zones that can be combined to form a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as an instant booster zone to quickly bring the water to a boil. The Push&Go feature, for instance, allows you to cook perfectly at the touch the button. Nine power modes that include a 'P boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for 5 minutes, can be easily set using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the hob to Best ovens follow your pans.
The controls are easy to use, and the minimalist design is perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it cooked pasta water in a snap and quickly heated up after placing an oven on the Booster zone. However, it took a long time to cool off after we shut off the hob and our testers found it difficult to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with a bridge function that allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also has a child lock and an overheating block, as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's heated to the point of. Our testers appreciated the fact that there weren't any visible flames or flammable substances and the ceramic glass was easy to wipe clean. Ventilated hobs in contrast to traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is located on the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, however it took two people to remove the filter.
4. Induction Hob by General Electric
When choosing a new hob, consider how it fits into your kitchen's design and layout, in addition to your cooking style and your lifestyle. Induction hobs are a great choice for cooking with children or the elderly in mind. They come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool to touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass front on an electric hob is the best choice. Gas hobs are a great alternative for those living in areas susceptible to power outages.