The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are long-lasting, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts prefer gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. Best ovens UK are more efficient and are easier to clean. Look for features like a timer and power boost that allow you to increase the heat quickly in order to accelerate cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs offer a modern efficient and effective alternative to traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking area like gas hobs do, they use magnet technology to heat the copper coils beneath the pans. The cooktop is cool to the touch and is therefore safer to use and easier for cleaning. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a common kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh kitchen test kitchen. We appreciate this sleek, premium model by AEG which comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute timer. It has a smooth surface that can be cleaned easily and is easy to operate by using the touch-sensitive control panels. However, one minor gripe (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat can be patchy; however it is only noticeable when trying to stir-fry.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years and impressive environmental credentials. It has an A+ energy rating and a low power usage of 750w for each cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets the pans to be moved between the four zones, and you can adjust the power levels in accordance with the pots or pans you use. Meanwhile, the 'Power boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up the boiling process. Other helpful features include an auto-shutoff function, as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents your pan from overheating, which means you do not have to worry about burning food.
This is a fantastic affordable induction cooker that can be easily wired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are marked with a ring or cross to indicate the center of the coil. It also has a touch-control panel. It features a large "Flux zone," which can accommodate larger pans and pots effortlessly, and it's pre-programmed to have set power levels in the front and middle zones as well as the rear. This is great if you often cook with multiple different sized or shaped pans, which need to be brought up to boil, simmered and kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) still reigns supreme when it comes to kitchen cooking. These are the ultimate go-to for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces as well as pan-frying eggs and frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately create high heat levels, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
Their visual flame indication also makes it easy to check the status of each burner in a glance, which is beneficial for safety reasons. With an electric hob, it's much harder to switch off an appliance or forget it was on.
A majority of models are designed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll have to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts since they are able to heat faster and more evenly, which reduces electricity costs. This is especially true for vented stoves, which incorporate the two appliances into one and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can save space in your kitchen and create an elegant look that can be a perfect fit with any interior style.
As a result of their efficiency and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that stand on their own instead of built-in models. These can be more straightforward to install and offer greater flexibility if you're trying to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
A freestanding model is connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a different source of energy. This is a great option if you are looking to go green. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you can consider this alternative. These models require gas supply as well as ventilation and regular maintenance to ensure that there aren't any leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are the ideal option if you want an elegant, energy-efficient appliance. They heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burning!) and more efficient as they use less electricity than their electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase induction-compatible cookware.
If you don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top with hidden heating elements. They are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, because they don't need difficult scouring. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when it is energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy usage this may not be the right choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, a budget option with their simple and sturdy design, are great for cooking in the everyday. They're quick to get hot, making them an ideal option for those who don't require a large cooktop. However, they can take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also release lots of heat, so they're not as efficient as the other choices on this list.
We recommend that you look for reviews on retailer websites when you're considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only give you an accurate view of the performance of the product however, it will also help you find the right one for your home. The customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it's made of sturdy stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other appliances in the kitchen with a sleek and modern look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the advantage of being energy efficient. Although gas hobs might be the preferred choice of many chefs due to their instant heating and easy control, they're also a popular choice due to the fact that they provide instant heating. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking functions like power up settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.
When you're choosing an electric stove make sure you choose one that's streamlined with touch controls, and no buttons or dials sticking out. They are more easy to clean if they have a flat surface, which won't scratch or chip. Select a model with child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. And, if you have a smart home, go for a digital display that gives you control of your hob remotely and also notifications via your smartphone, ensuring you can manage your stove effortlessly.
Think about a dual-fuel hob that comes with gas and induction burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 oven uk includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set specific cooking times so that your food is ready when you need it. This minimizes the chance of overcooking, and makes your food less tasty.
Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want an appliance that allows you to combine two cooking zones into one zone to accommodate pans of various sizes and shapes. This can save space and can be beneficial if you cook with large rectangular vessels, such as roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or grills to provide additional cooking options.
There are cheap gas hobs starting at PS100 and pricier high-end models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand should not cost more than PS200. If you're looking for an elegant glass model it won't cost a fortune either as there are some top options from own brands. But, keep in mind that both ceramic and induction hobs need a specific supply configured with the right cables and breakers to work so you'll need it installed by a licensed electrician.