The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable elegant, stylish and easy to clean.
Best ovens UK for their precise flame control and versatility. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process with features such as power boosts and a timer.
1. Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a modern efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking zone as do gas hobs they employ magnetic technology to warm up the copper coils below your pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch, making them safer to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a standard kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh kitchen test kitchen. We love this sleek, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are easy to use. However the distribution of heat is uneven. This is a common issue for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year guarantee and impressive eco certifications. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of 750w per cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you to move your pans between the four zones, and adjust the power levels in accordance with your pots or saucepans. Additionally, the "Power Boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50% to speed the boiling process. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function, as well as a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops your pan from overheating, so you don't have to worry about burning food items.
This is an induction cooktop that is priced at a bargain that can be wired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones that are independently controlled are clearly identified with the use of a cross or ring to show where the centre of the coil is beneath and there's a simple touch-control panel. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots easily and is pre-programmed so that you have power levels that are set in the front and back zones. This is great if you regularly cook with different sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boiling point, then simmered and kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) still reigns supreme in kitchen cooking. They are the best for boiling water simmering soups and sauces, frying meats and eggs as well as pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to quickly and accurately produce high temperatures, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to check each burner's status at a glance. This is extremely useful for security. With an electric hob, it's much harder to switch off a burner or forget that it was turned on.
A majority of models are designed with a flat surface, which makes them easier to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There is no material that will protect the Neff T27DS59N0 against splashes or spills. You'll need to be careful when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up faster and evenly, which saves energy costs. This is especially true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances and eliminate the requirement for a grill. This will save the space in your kitchen and also create a sleeker design that will blend into any style of interior.
Due to their efficiency and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that are freestanding rather than built-in versions. These can be easier to install and provide more flexibility if you're looking to achieve a minimalistic look for your kitchen.
Another benefit of going for an independent model is the ability to connect it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which provides an alternative energy source if you're looking for a greener option. You'll need to find an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you can look into this option. These models require a gas supply as well as ventilation and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are the best option if you want a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly and the flat ceramic-ceramic glass surface stays cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, as they use less electricity than gas or electric counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy induction-compatible cookware.
For those who don't want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs are a great alternative. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They're more visually appealing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, as they don't require a hard scrubbing. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They do not offer the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they may not be a good choice if you are concerned about your energy consumption.
Then, solid plate hobs are the best budget alternative, with a simple and durable design that is perfect for everyday cooking. They're quick to heat up and are ideal 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 option for chefs who love to multitask. Solid plate hobs are also not as efficient in energy as other alternatives.
If you're considering a solid plate hob, we suggest looking for one that has been rated by customers on retailer websites. This will not only provide you with a clear view into how it performs and how it's used, but it can assist you in locating the perfect model for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's made of durable stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, creating a a modern and minimal look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks due to their rapid heat and simple control, electric hobs are more energy efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have advanced cooking features like power boost settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.
When choosing an electric hob, look for one that has a sleek design with touch controls, and no buttons or dials hanging out. They are easier to clean if they have a flat surface, which won't scratch or chip. Choose a model that has child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to prevent accidents. If you're a smart home, go for an electronic display that gives you a remote control and alerts through your smartphone, so you can manage your hob effortlessly.
To maximize flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob that includes gas and induction burners. The FUJIOH FH-IC7020 hybrid cooktop has both, with intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones as well as sturdy cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set certain cooking times to ensure that your food is ready when you require it. This helps reduce the risk of cooking too long and makes your food less tasty.
For additional convenience, a model with two separate cooking pans in different shapes and sizes could be the best option. This can help save space and is ideal for those who cook frequently using large rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding Teppanyaki grills or induction plates to provide additional cooking options.
There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and more expensive models that cost upwards of PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a big brand should still cost you no more than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models there are plenty of great alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. Be aware that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the appropriate breakers and cables so you'll need it installed by a licensed electrician.