Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for you depends on the type of worktop you have and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are important factors to consider when selecting the best hob.
If you choose an own-brand model, the basic gas-on glass stove will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean and come with various safety features such as an indicator that glows red when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
A hob that is flexible will assist you in achieving your goals, whether it's perfecting your pancake technique or making a quick meal for midweek. The top hobs offer precise control of heat, and come by incorporating features such as dual wok burners and a large cooking area which makes them perfect for a variety of dishes. These hobs can be used in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to include an extractor fan, eliminating the necessity of separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space on your workspace.
Gas hobs provide instant heat. They're no wonder they are popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup or fires. Additionally, they often take longer to boil water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat the cooking pan itself rather than the cooker surface, so they are generally more easy to clean. They can be more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.
Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between both modes based on the food you're cooking. These are great for those looking to test their culinary abilities, but don't want to invest in a new kitchen.
This electric hob is a fantastic example of a model which allows for flexibility in style and performance. The dual flex zones can be used to accommodate larger pans or pots. The controls also have a child lock that prevents children from altering the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions using your smartphone.
If you're looking for a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network take a look at this model from Smeg. It's got a lot of features that make cooking simpler and faster, such as automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause function. It's also super-easy to use and has touchscreen controls that respond instantly to your changes and a sleek design that would fit right in in the modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs use the least amount of energy, whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. This means that they're a great option for people who want to cut down on their electricity bills. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly, preventing the glass from heating up. Induction hobs are the most secure option, since they avoid accidental burns. Although gas hobs may not be as efficient, they tend to be more affordable to run than electric models.
Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into one large space, allowing you to cook with large 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 it is a useful option for households with young children. The ceramic glass is smooth however, it is easy to clean by wiping it clean.
Another great aspect of this hob is its "Pan detection" here function, which automatically turns off the cooking zone's power after you have removed your pan. This is not the only hob to have this feature, but it is an excellent feature to simplify your life for those who cook a lot for a large family or group of friends.
This is a smart hob that connects to the internet to allow you to control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will even notify you when food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is a lot for an induction cooktop. It has flexible cooking zones that you can mix and the 'Stop & Go button that lowers all the cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off.
This compact induction hob is perfect for camping trips and for trips to the university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob in our tests yet it has an extensive set of cooking functions and an intuitive touch slider. It also comes with an integrated 'VaryCook' feature, which allows you to alter the temperature by moving your pan upwards and downwards on the surface of the hob, which is ideal for making sauces or caramel.
3. Convenience
You'll want to consider how the stove will fit into your kitchen, and what it will help improve the efficiency of your home. This will help you narrow your options and pick the one that's ideal for your family and your home. It's important to read reviews and find out what others have to say about the appliance. this can help you to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Some hob brands have smart technology that makes them the ideal choice for those looking to control their cooking with their smartphone. Samsung's models, for instance include electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is particularly useful for those who lead busy lives, as the timer will ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without having to constantly monitor them.
Gas hobs are also a good option for those seeking an older-style feel. They are able to cook with a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and pans on gas hobs. Gas hobs usually come with a variety of settings so that you can alter the temperature to fit your cooking.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice for those looking to modernize their kitchens, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. This is especially true with induction hobs that come with an oven built-in, as they can help you save space in your kitchen by allowing you to have an oven and hob in one unit.
A child lock is a different feature to be on the lookout for. It lets you disable the controls on a stove and safeguards children from accidents in the kitchen. This feature is crucial for families with young children, as it will help prevent burns and other injuries. Induction hobs often come with a feature that allows you to link two zones together, creating more cooking space. This is helpful if you use large pans.
4. Safety
A high-quality hob will come with a number of safety features. They will have an indicator for the hot surface of the hob that will warn you when the surface is extremely hot and can prevent accidents in the kitchen. Certain hobs feature a child lock to prevent children from turning on the hob or altering settings. Some hobs feature an option to merge two cooking zones into an additional zone, meaning you can cook in a larger pan.
This is a great feature for families, and can ensure that everyone in the kitchen is secure. It works by observing the heat of the stove. If it detects that the pan hasn't been placed correctly or if there's an ignition on the stove it will shut off the burner. It's a great way to ensure that your home is safe and it's something you should think about when shopping.
There are many different types of hobs you can choose from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs utilize a flame for heating your pans. Electric hobs have electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Then there's the induction hob, which makes use of magnets to heat your pans. It will not start unless you place a magnetizable metal pan on it. This is a highly efficient kind of hob that will cool quickly after the pan is removed.
This kind of hob is able to save space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. You can therefore have the kitchen with a sleeker design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It is also able to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, which can aid in improving the air quality of your home. This is an excellent choice for families as it will protect you from burns and is very easy to clean. There are many different options available for you to consider when choosing a hob, so be sure to take the time to research each one prior to making a decision.