How to Choose the Best Hob
There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the ideal hob, ranging from the price to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.
A basic electric ceramic hob can cost as low as PS100 However, you'll need to spend more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're also pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions, and can assist you in making quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking just four minutes. It comes with a child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary and blends well with modern kitchens. It's typically made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and comes with touch controls that sit flush with the worktop to make it easy to use.
The controls were easy to operate, and we liked the display that displays the current power level as well as which zone is active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for just a short duration, and is perfect for stir-frying or bringing pans of water to a boil quickly. Safety features like the hob light that is hot or automatic shut-off are also beneficial.
However, it's not as responsive to touch as some other hobs we tested. We observed that it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, as opposed to seven or six on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, meaning you might have to alter settings several times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.
This model is 60cm long and includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone where two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. Dual-ring design permits it to operate with both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat and searing it, or making water come to a quick boil.
It is fully connected through the hOn App, and offers 100's of recipes, guides for cooking, and 30 unique programs divided into various food categories and types of preparation. It features a simple multislider interface and a 'lockable control panel. Additionally, it will automatically recognize the type of pan you're using and set up the right cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans from third-party manufacturers and has a range of safety features, like a lockable control panel and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
If you're working in your kitchen or searching for a substitute to gas induction hobs, they are becoming increasingly popular. Prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now sold for less that PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a little more.
This slick-looking model from Smeg features the latest induction tech to keep your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9cm, which allows you to select the correct zone without needing to select it manually.
Smeg's attention to energy savings does not mean that they don't offer flexibility - this hob is designed to reduce power consumption by altering the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking preferences. Eco-Logic advanced mode enables you to conserve more energy by reducing power output to as little as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed with this hob's user-friendly interface, with intuitive sliding controls that move along the edge of the hob to follow the pan. The control panel's color scheme helps you quickly identify the operating status of each zone, and the Flexi Duo function allows you to connect two zones together to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful features, such as four automatic cooking presets (melting, boiling slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost to get results that are quick and efficient.
Additionally the hob also has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you when there is a risk of fire or burnt-on food. There are other safety features, such as a residual heat indicator and an automatic shut-off when the surface becomes too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with a protective CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough marks and stains from cooking. The hob comes with nine power levels as well as a 'FlexiDuo feature' for accommodating large pans and is easy to put in. There are some additional features, such as locking controls and an emergency fuse to stop accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They make use of copper plates to generate magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. They are able to heat up faster than gas hobs and they also use less energy since the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on your pan. They're generally less expensive than gas, and they're easier to wipe clean too making them a popular option.
This induction hob by Indesit is packed with features that allow you to be creative in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, and an instant booster zone to quickly bring boiling water to. Push&Go, for example, allows you to cook with perfection by pressing the button. And nine power modes, including a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for 5 minutes, can be easily selected using the controls, which move along the bottom edge of the cooktop to follow the pans.
The controls are easy to operate, and the minimalist design is ideal for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it cooked pasta water in a snap and was quick to heat up when we put an oven on the Booster zone. It took some time to cool down after we turned off the hob, and the testers could not determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also features the bridge function, which allows you to connect two cooking zones for larger pans. It has a child lock and an overheating block as well as an automatic shut-off mechanism that stops the hob from working if it gets too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no flames visible. Our testers were impressed by the fact that there was no visible flame. Unlike best ovens and hobs vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through a duct in the surface. The vent on this hob was easy to clean, however it took two people to remove the filter.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the stove will work with your kitchen's layout and design as well as the style of cooking you prefer. For instance, if frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as an automatic shut-off or a cool to the touch surface could make an induction cooker a better option. If you prefer speed and efficiency, an electric stove with a clean ceramic glass facia is the best choice. Gas hobs are a good choice for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.