Choosing the Best Hob
The best hob to choose depends on your cooking preferences as well as the space available. Choosing the right type of hob is dependent on the type of worktop you have as well as the location of your extractor hood.
A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 If you select an exclusive model. They are easier to clean and come with various safety features like the red indicator that lights when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
Whether you're looking to cook your own quick midweek meal or perfect your pancake recipe, a movable hob is crucial. The best hobs provide precise temperature control, with features such as dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area, making them ideal for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens due to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Additionally, many have the option of adding an integrated extractor fan that eliminates the need for an additional overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.
Gas hobs can provide instant heating. It's no wonder that they are so popular. ovens and hobs do require periodic cleaning to ensure that you aren't putting yourself at risk by carbon build-up on your hob or a fire breaking out. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs heat pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them easier to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, while their glossy surfaces can show up scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Hybrid hobs combine the benefits of both gas and induction cooking into one product which allows you to change between these two modes based on the type of food you're making. They are perfect for those who want to test their culinary abilities, but don't want to invest in a new kitchen.
This electric hob is a great example of a model that offers flexibility in both design and function. The dual flex zone can be combined to accommodate larger pans and pots, while its controls have a child lock feature that stops children from changing the settings. Additionally, it can be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions from your smartphone.
If you're in search of a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, look no further than this one from Smeg. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking simpler and quicker, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause function. It's also simple to use, with control buttons that respond instantly to changes you make and sleek modern design.
2. Energy efficiency
The best hobs consume the least amount of energy when you're simmering soup or bringing water to a boiling point. This means they're ideal for those who want to cut down on their energy bills. Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly, preventing the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are the most secure choice as they protect against accidental burns. Although gas hobs may not be as efficient, they can be less expensive to run than electric models.
Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility due to its 'I-Flex' zone that lets you merge two cooking zones into a single area so you can cook with big pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the hob or altering settings. This is an excellent feature for families with young children. And although the ceramic glass has a matte surface, it's easy to keep clean with just a wipe.
Another amazing feature of this hob is its "Pan detection" function, which switches off the power to a cooking zone when you take your pan off. It's not the only hob to have this functionality, but it's a great feature that makes life easier when you're cooking many meals for a family or group of friends.
This is a smart stove that connects to the Internet so you can control it with an app that you can download on your smartphone. It can alert you when food is ready, so you do not overcook your food. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water with this model, which is very fast for an induction cooktop. It has flexible cooking zones which you can combine and an 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off.
This induction hob is portable and has a compact design that's ideal for camping trips or taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested, but still has an extensive set of cooking functions and a touch-sensitive slider. It also comes with a built-in "VaryCook" function that allows you to adjust the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the surface of the hob. This is ideal for making sauces and caramel.
3. Convenience
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you'll need to think about the way it's incorporated into the design of your kitchen and what it will add to the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down your options and select the model that's ideal for you, your family, and your property. It's important to read reviews and see what other people have thought about the appliance, as it will help you understand its strengths and weaknesses better.
Certain brands of hobs have smart technology that makes them the first choice for those looking to control their cooking using their smartphones. For example, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that let you to determine precise cooking times and prevent overcooking. This is especially helpful for people who have a busy schedule, as you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without having to keep a close watch on them.
Gas hobs are also a good choice for those who want a traditional feel, as they can be used with a range of cookware styles and sizes. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and saucepans on gas hobs. Gas hobs are often equipped with a range of settings, so that you can alter the temperature to fit the recipe you are cooking.
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who are looking to modernize their kitchens since they have faster heating times and are more energy efficient than gas models. Induction hobs with built-in ovens are especially popular since they can reduce space by combining the oven and hob in one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock which lets you block the controls of a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for parents of young children, since it can help to avoid burns and other injuries. Additionally some induction hobs come with an option to link two zones together to create a larger cooking space This can be helpful in the event that you're using large pots.
4. Safety
A quality hob has several safety features. A hot hob indicator will alert you when the surface of the stove is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Certain hobs feature a child lock to prevent children from turning the hob on or changing settings. Certain hobs come with the ability to merge two cooking zones to create an even larger area, so you can cook a large pan.
This is an excellent feature for family households and it will help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It works by monitoring the temperature of the cooktop and if it determines that the pan isn't positioned correctly or there is a fire it will shut down the burner automatically. It's a great way to ensure that your home is safe, and you should consider it when you are shopping.
You can select between electric, gas and induction hobs. A gas hob makes use of a flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob comes with electric rings that you are able to control by pressing one button. Then there is the induction hob that uses an electric field to heat your pans and will not turn on until you place a magnetizable pan on it. It is a very efficient hob and will cool quickly when the pan has been removed.
This kind of hob can be a space saver as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan, which means you can have a sleek kitchen design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic option for any household. It can be used to get rid of excess smoke and steam from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at the home. This is a fantastic choice for families as it protects against burns and is simple to clean. There are a number of different options to think about when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to research each one before making a decision.