Choosing the Best Hob
The choice of the right hob is contingent on your cooking preferences and available space. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are also important factors to consider when deciding on the right hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, the basic gas-on glass stove will cost less than PS100. They are less difficult to clean and come with a variety of safety features like an indicator that glows red when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking for a way to cook up a quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a movable hob is crucial. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, with features like dual wok burners and a large cooking area, making them ideal for a variety of dishes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to include an extractor fan which eliminates the requirement for separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.
Gas hobs can provide instant heating. It's no wonder they are so popular. Gas hobs require regular cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the pans rather than the surface of the cooker, which makes them easier to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces may expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.
Hybrid hobs blend gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between the two modes based on what you're cooking. They are great for those who enjoy flexing their culinary abilities but don't have the space or time for a full-on kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a fantastic model that is flexible in style and functionality. The dual flex zones can be combined to fit larger pans or pots. The controls also feature an option for children to lock them out of children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so that you can control the features from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction stove is a top-quality model that can be connected to your home WiFI network. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost, as well as a timer and an option to pause. It's also super-easy to use, with touch controls that react immediately to changes in the recipe and a sleek design that would fit right in in a modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs consume as little energy as possible regardless of whether you're simmering soup or bringing water to the boiling point. This means that they're an excellent choice for those who want to cut their energy costs. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly which prevents the glass from becoming hot. This also makes them the most secure choice, preventing accidental burns. Gas hobs might not be as efficient, but they're more affordable than electric ones.
The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top pick. It offers a great deal of flexibility due to the 'I Flex zone. It allows you to combine two cooking zones to create a larger area making it possible to use larger pots and pans. The controls on the touch screen have an option for children to lock the controls so that children can't turn the hob on or alter the settings, which is a good option for households with young kids. Although the ceramic glass has a matte finish it is easy to clean with just a little wipe.
Another great feature of this hob is its 'Pan detection' function, which automatically turns off the cooking zone's power after you have removed your pan. This isn't the only hob to have this feature, but it is an excellent addition to make your life easier if you cook for a large family or a group of friends.
This is an intelligent stove that connects to the internet so that you can control it using an app on your phone. It can also notify you when your food is ready, so that you don't overcook it. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is very fast for an induction cooktop. It has cooking zones that are flexible that can be combined and the "Stop & Go button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting so it's simple to turn off.
This compact induction cooker is ideal for camping and taking to university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we tested, but still has the full range of cooking options and a touch-sensitive slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that allows you to control the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down the hob surface. This is perfect to make caramel and sauces.
3. Convenience
You'll want to consider how the hob will fit into your kitchen and what it can do to improve the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow your options and pick the one that's best for your family and your home. It is also advisable to read reviews to find out what other people think about the appliance. This can help you better understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Certain hob brands are famous for their smart technology, making them the ideal choice for those who wish to control their cooking via their smartphone. Samsung's models, as an example include electronic timers that allow you to set precise timeframes and avoid overcooking. This is particularly helpful for people who have a busy schedule because you can use the timer to make sure that meals are prepared at the right time without needing to keep an watch over them.
Gas hobs are also a good choice for those who want a traditional feel, as they can be used with a range of cookware styles and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pans and saucepans on gas stoves. Additionally, gas hobs typically have a variety of settings, meaning you can adjust the heat to suit your pan's style or recipe.
Induction hobs are more energy efficient than gas models and provide quicker heat-up times, are also an option for those who are looking to modernize a kitchen. Hobs that have built-in ovens are particularly popular because they save space by mixing the oven and hob into one.
A child lock is an additional option to look for. It lets you block controls on a stove and shields children from kitchen accidents. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, as it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. In addition some induction hobs come with the ability to connect two zones to create a larger cooking area, which can be useful when you're cooking with large pans.
4. Safety
A quality hob has a number safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs may also include a child lock that can keep children from turning the hob on or altering settings. Some models will come with a function that lets you combine two cooking zones into one zone so that you can cook a wider pan.
This is a fantastic feature for family households and it will ensure that everyone is safe in the kitchen. It monitors the temperature of the stove and if it detects that the pan isn't set correctly or there's a fire, it will shut off the burner automatically. This is a great way to ensure that your home is safe and is something you should be looking for when you shop for a new stove.
You can select between gas, electric, and induction hobs. hobs oven use an electric flame to heat your pans. Electric hobs feature electronic rings that can be controlled by pressing the button. There is also the induction hob which uses magnets to heat your pans. It will not start unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on top of it. This is a highly efficient type of hob and will cool quickly when the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is able to save space because it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have a more streamlined kitchen design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs, however it's a great option for any family. It can be used to remove the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at home. This is a fantastic choice for families as it is easy to clean and guards against burns. There are a number of different options to consider when selecting a hob, so take the time to study each one before making your choice.