The Best Hobs

Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable and stylish, as well as easy to clean.

Gas ovens hobs are favored by our experts due to their versatility and precise control of flames. Electric models are more efficient and easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process with features such as power boosts and a timer.

1. Induction Hobs

Induction hobs provide a contemporary, efficient alternative to the traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area like gas hobs do magnet technology to heat the copper coils beneath the pans. The cooktop stays cool to touch and is therefore safer to use and simpler to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. The AEG premium model is a favourite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their specific functions and the minute timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are simple to use. However the distribution of heat is patchy. This is a common complaint with all induction hobs.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating, with the lowest power consumption of 750w for each cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows the pans to be moved around in the four zones and adjust the power levels to fit your pans or pots, while the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% for quick boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function as well as an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your pan from overheating, so you never have to worry about burnt food.

This is a great low-cost induction hob that can be easily hardwired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with the ring, cross or arrow to indicate the center of the coil. It also has a touch-control panel. It comes with large "Flux Zone" that can accommodate larger pans or pots. It also comes pre-programmed with pre-set power levels for the front and middle zones. This is great if you often cook with multiple different sized or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boil, simmered and kept warm while cooking.

2. Gas Hobs

Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if American) remain the best option for cooking in your kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to quickly and accurately generate high heat levels making them ideal for searing and boiling.

The visual flame indicator makes it easy to check the status of each burner at a glance, which is useful for safety reasons. With an electric hob, it's less likely to switch off the burner or forget that it was on.

A majority of models are designed with a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. However, it's apparent that there's no material that could fend off splashes and best hob spillages completely, which is why you'll need to keep on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time.

Gas hobs can also be more energy-efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up more quickly and evenly, reducing electricity costs. This is especially true for vented stoves, which incorporate the two appliances into one unit and eliminate the need for vent hoods. This can save space in your kitchen and create a sleeker appearance that will blend into any interior style.

Due to their efficiency and convenience, many homeowners opt for freestanding gas hobs rather than built-in versions. They are simpler to install, and offer more flexibility when you want to achieve an elegant kitchen design.

Another advantage of choosing an independent model is the ability to connect it to the bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a more sustainable alternative. You'll need to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you think about this alternative. These models require a gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.

3. Sealed Plate Hobs

Induction hobs are the ideal option for those who want a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. They are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surface remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, since they consume less electricity than their electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs are expensive and you will need to purchase kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.

For those who don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs are a great alternative. These stylish and stylish hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements hidden underneath that make them more aesthetically pleasing than solid plate hobs and easier to clean since there's no need for a tricky scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when it comes to energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy use this may not be the best hob; visit web site, choice for you.

Solid plate hobs, which are a budget option with their simple and durable design, are great for cooking at home. They're quick to get hot and ideal for those who don't require a powerful cooktop, however they're not quick to cool down, which is why they're not the best oven choice for dynamic chefs who like to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs also emit a lot of residual heat, making them not as efficient in energy use like the other options on this list.

We recommend that you look for reviews on websites of retailers when you're considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only give you a true insight into the performance of the product, but will also help you find the right one for your home. Customers have rated this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's finished in robust stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, giving it an elegant and minimalist look.

4. Electric Hobs

Electric hobs offer the benefit of being energy-efficient. While gas hobs can be a favorite choice for many chefs due to their rapid heating and ease of control, they're also a popular choice due to the fact that they are quick to heat. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking functions like power boost settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.

Look for an electric hob that has an elegant design and has control buttons that are touch-sensitive. Avoid those with dials or buttons that protrude. They are more easy to clean when they have a smooth surface, which won't scratch or chip. For safety, choose a model with child locks, hot indicators and residual heat shut-offs to prevent accidents. If you have a smart home, you might prefer a digital display which lets you control your stove remotely and receive notifications via your smartphone.

Think about a dual-fuel hob which has both induction and gas burners for ultimate flexibility. 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. There's also a timer, which lets you set specific cooking times for meals so they are ready when needed which reduces the chance of cooking too long and making food less delicious.

Lastly, for added convenience, you may need a model that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone for pans of varying sizes and shapes. This can help save space and is beneficial for those who cook frequently with large rectangular cooking vessels like roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills as additional cooking options.

Gas hobs are available in different prices, from as low as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or induction oven hob from a reputable brand should still cost you less than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models, there are many excellent options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that ceramic and induction hobs require a specific supply with the correct cables and breakers in order to function, which means you'll need it installed by an electrician.