How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic electric ceramic hob could cost as low as PS100 however, you'll have to spend more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs are a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're also pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions, this hob from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was among the fastest ways to boil water in our tests, taking just four minutes. It has a child lock and an pause feature, so you can stop the process swiftly without having to mess with controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary, and works well with contemporary 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 for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil quickly. Safety features such as the hob light that is hot and automatic shutoff are beneficial.
It's not as responsive as other hob s in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, in comparison to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, meaning you may need to alter settings several times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.
The model measures 60 cm and comes with four cooking zones. One of them is a half-flex zone, where two areas can easily be joined to accommodate larger pots or pans. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated at both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat, searing it or quickly bring water to a fast boil.
It is fully connected to the hOn App and has hundreds of recipes, a guide to cooking, and 30 special programmes divided into different food categories and types of cooking. It has an intuitive multislider interface and a 'lockable control panel. In addition, it is able to automatically detect the kind of pan you're using and set the right cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn sets and comes with a variety of security features, including an adjustable control panel that locks and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available for less that PS100. If you want all the bells and whistles that come with induction it's worth the extra cost to get the latest technology.
This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most advanced induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the location of pots that have a minimum diameter of 9cm, allowing you to select the correct zone without needing to select it manually.
Smeg's primary focus is on energy efficiency but it doesn't forget the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to conserve power based on the maximum operating temperatures of the zones. Eco-Logic advanced mode allows you to conserve more energy, reducing the power output to as low as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed by this hob's user-friendly interface with easy-to-use controls that slide along the edges of the hob, allowing it to follow the pan. The control panel's colour-coded scheme makes it easy to identify the state of each zone. The 'Flexi Duo" function allows the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, such as four automatic cooking presets (melting, boiling slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for quick results.
In addition to this the hob comes with a 'FlameSensor' that warns you of any risk of a burning or burning food. There are several safety features like a residual heat sensor and an automatic shut-off if the surface becomes too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to help it resist hard marks and stains from cooking. This hob has nine power levels as well as a 'FlexiDuo feature' to accommodate large pans and is easy to install. There are some additional features, such as control locks, as well as a safety fuse to protect against accidental pressing of buttons.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to create a magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. They are able to heat up faster than gas hobs and they use less energy because the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on the pan. They are generally cheaper to run than gas, and they are also less difficult to clean.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to allow you to be creative when cooking. It comes with two distinct zones which can be combined into a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as a speedy booster zone that can quickly bring the water to a boil. Push&Go, for example, lets you cook flawlessly at the touch a button. There are nine power modes including a 'P-boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily selected using the controls, which are positioned along the bottom edge of the hob to follow your pans.
The controls are easy to operate, and the minimalist design is ideal for modern kitchens. 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 we turned off the hob, and the testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.
Alongside a Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob also has a bridge function that lets you connect two cooking zones to accommodate larger pans. It also has a child lock and an overheating block, as well as an auto shut-off feature that shuts down the hob when it's overheated. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no visible flames. Our test subjects were pleased with that. Ventilated hobs unlike traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan out of the room via a duct located on the surface. The duct on this hob was easy to clean, but it required two people in order to remove the filter.
4. Induction Hob from GE
Think about how the hob will work with your kitchen's layout and design as well as the style of cooking you prefer. For instance, if often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, security features such as an automatic shut-off or cool to the touch surface may make an induction hob the best option. For those who prioritize speed and efficiency, an electric stove with a clean ceramic glass facia is ideal. Gas hobs are a great option for those who live in areas susceptible to power outages.