The Best Hobs

Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hob hobs are durable, stylish and easy to clean.

Our experts prefer gas hobs for their precise flame control and versatility. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features like an energy boost or a timer.

1. Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a contemporary and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area like gas hobs do, they employ magnet technology to only heat the copper coils that are beneath your pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the point of contact which makes them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also heat water faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. The AEG premium model is a popular choice in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It features four cooking zones, each with its own functions and a minute minder. It has a smooth, smooth surface that wipes clean with ease and is easy to operate with the touch control panels. However, one minor issue (which is typical for all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be uneven, but this is only really noticeable when stirring-frying.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating, with a low power usage of 750W for each cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows the pans to be moved around in the four zones and alter the power levels to fit your pans or pots as well as the 'PowerBoost function boosts the output by 50% for speedy boiling. The auto-shutoff function as well as the 'fryingSensor' feature, which helps to prevent overheating of your pan, are also useful features.

This is an induction cooktop with a reasonable price that can be hardwired to a worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with an arrow or cross to indicate the coil's centre. It also has a touch-control panel. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease, and it's pre-programmed to have power levels that are set in the front, middle and rear zones. This is an excellent option for cooking with a variety of pans of different dimensions and shapes that require to be heated and simmered at the exact time, Best Hobs and then kept warm.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop in the case of American) remains the most popular choice in kitchen cooking. They are ideal for boiling water simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them, and pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to create high heat levels quickly and precisely, making them ideal for boiling and searing.

The visual flame indicator allows you to see the status of each burner at a glance, which is beneficial for safety reasons. With an electric hob, it's much harder to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was on.

Most models are also 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 spillages completely, so you'll need to be on top of cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.

Gas hobs can also be more energy efficient than counterparts induction, since they heat up more quickly and evenly, which saves 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 will save space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker look that will fit in with any interior style.

Because of their efficiency and ease of use, many home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that stand on their own rather than built-in versions. They're easier to install and provide greater flexibility if you're trying to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.

Another advantage of choosing freestanding models is the possibility of connecting it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which provides an alternative energy source if you're looking for a greener option. However, you'll need to find the right LPG boiler and stove before this option becomes a possibility for you. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.

3. Sealed Plate Hobs

If you're seeking an elegant and energy-efficient choice, an induction hob is the best hob uk choice. These hobs are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surface stays cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental fire!) and more efficient as they use less power than their electric or gas counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll have to purchase an induction-compatible set of cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a great alternative for those who do not wish to invest in technology of induction. These sleek and stylish hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface that has heating elements concealed beneath that make them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs and easier to clean as there's no need for a difficult cleaning. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don't offer the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they are not a good choice if you are worried about your energy consumption.

Then, solid plate hobs are the best budget alternative, with a simple and reliable design that's perfect for cooking in the everyday. They're easy to get hot and ideal for those who don't require a high-powered cooktop, but they can be slow to cool down, which is why they're not the best ovens option for chefs who are able to multitask. Solid plate hobs also emit lots of heat, making them not as energy-efficient as other choices on this list.

We suggest that you search for reviews on the websites of retailers if you are 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 one that is right for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is made of long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls blend with other kitchen appliances with a sleek and contemporary look.

4. Electric Hobs

Electric hobs offer the benefit of being energy efficient. While gas hobs can be a preferred choice for many chefs due to their instant heating and ease of control, they're also a popular choice due to the fact that they provide instant heat. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer sophisticated cooking functions, such as power increase settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.

When choosing an electric hob, look for one that has a sleek design with touch controls and without dials or buttons sticking out. They are more easy to clean with a flat surface, which won't scratch or chip. For safety, choose a model with child locks, hot indicators and residual heat shut-offs to stop accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, you may opt for a digital display that lets you control your stove remotely and receive notifications on your smartphone.

Think about a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners for maximum flexibility. The FH-IC7020 by FUJIOH comes with both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and durable cast iron pan supports to accommodate traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set certain cooking times to ensure that your food is ready at the time you require it. This helps reduce the risk of overcooking, and makes your food less tasty.

Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want an appliance that allows you to merge two cooking zones into a single zone for pans of different sizes and shapes. This can save on space and is beneficial when cooking with large rectangular cooking dishes, 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 a range of prices, from as low as PS100 to premium models costing up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand shouldn't cost more than PS200. If you're looking for glass models there are plenty of great options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that ceramic and induction hobs require special supplies with the right breakers and cables to function, so you'll need it installed by an electrician.