Best Hob: A Simple Definition
Choosing the Best Hob
The ideal hob for you depends on the type of worktop you are using and the space available. Choosing the right hob also involves considering the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.
If you choose an own-brand model, a basic gas-on glass hob will cost less than PS100. They are simpler to clean, and have many safety features such as a red indicator which glows when they are hot.
1. Flexibility
If you're looking to whip an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique, a movable hob is essential. The best hobs give you precise temperature control, with features like dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen due to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. Many of them have the option to add an extractor fan which eliminates the requirement for separate overhead appliances and freeing space on your workspace.
Gas hobs can provide instant warmth. It's no wonder they are so popular. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning in order to avoid carbon buildup and fires. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.
Induction hobs are able to heat pans more than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. They are more expensive, and their glossy surfaces are more likely to show fingerprints and scratches.
Hybrid hobs combine both gas and induction cooking into a single product. You can switch between the two modes based on what you're cooking. They are great for those who enjoy flexing their culinary abilities but don't have the time or space for a full-on kitchen upgrade.
This electric hob is a fantastic model that can be flexed in style and functionality. The two flex zones on the hob can be combined to accommodate larger pans or pots. The controls also feature the option of a child lock to prevent children changing the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can control its features from your smartphone.
Smeg's induction cooktop is a top-quality model that is connected to your Wi-Fi network. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking easier and quicker, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause feature. It's also extremely easy to use and has touch controls that react immediately to changes, and an elegant design that will look great in a modern kitchen.
2. Energy efficiency
The most efficient hobs are those that consume the minimal amount of energy regardless of whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a great option for those who wish to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient kind employing electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly so that the glass stays cool. This makes them the safest option to avoid burns from accidental accidents. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be more affordable to run than electric models.
Our top choice is the Miele I-Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single area so you can cook with big pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls stops children from turning the hob or changing settings. This is an excellent feature for families with children. And although the ceramic glass has a matte finish it's easy to clean with just a wipe.
This hob also has a 'Pan detection function' that shuts off power to a specific cooking area when you remove the pan. It's not the only one that has this feature however it's an excellent addition that makes your life easier when you cook a lot of meals for a family or group of friends.
This is a smart kitchen appliance that connects to internet to allow you to control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It will even notify you when your food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. This model boiled our test pan of hot water in only four minutes, which is incredibly fast for an Induction hob. It has flexible cooking zones which you can combine and a 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all the cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off.
This portable induction hob is compact and perfect for camping trips or a trip to the university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob that we tried, yet it includes all of our cooking functions as well as an adjustable slider. It also has an integrated 'VaryCook' feature which lets you vary the temperature by moving your pan up and down the surface of the hob. This is ideal for making caramel sauces or sauces.
3. Convenience
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you should 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 choices and choose the one that's ideal for your family, and your property. It's important to read reviews to learn what other users have thought about the appliance, as it will help you identify its strengths and weaknesses better.
Certain brands of hobs are known for their advanced technology, making them the go-to option for those who prefer to control their cooking using their smartphone. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to set precise cooking times and avoid overcooking. This is particularly helpful for those who lead busy lives because you can use the timer to ensure that your meals are cooked at the right time without having to keep an eye on them.
Gas hobs are also an excellent option for those who want an older-style feel. They are able to cook using a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pots and saucepans on gas stoves. 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 yet another popular option for those looking to modernize their kitchen, as they provide quicker heating times and are more efficient than gas models. This is particularly true with induction hobs that come with an oven built in, since they can help you save space in your kitchen by offering an oven and hob in one unit.
Another feature to look for is a child lock, which lets you block the controls on a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is a crucial feature for families with young children, as it can aid in avoiding burns and other injuries. A lot of induction hobs include a feature that permits the linking of two zones together, creating more cooking space. This is helpful when you cook with large pans.
4. Safety
A good hob will have many safety features. These include an indicator for the hot surface of the hob which will alert you when the surface is hot and will prevent accidents in the kitchen. Some hobs will also have an option for a child lock to prevent children from turning the stove on or altering its settings. Some may have a feature that lets you combine two cooking zones into one zone so that you can cook in a larger pan.
This is a fantastic feature for families and can help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the heat of the stove. If it determines that the pan hasn't been properly placed or if there's an ignition on the stove it will stop the burner. This is a great way to ensure that your home is safe and it's something that you should be looking for when you are shopping around.
You can choose between electric, gas and induction hobs. A gas hob makes use of a flame to heat the pans, while an electric hob comes with electronic rings that you can control with the touch of one button. Induction hobs utilize a magnetic field for heating your pans. They will not work until a pan that is magnetizable is placed on them. This is a reliable type of hob that cools quickly after the pan is removed.
This kind of hob can save space because it does not require an extractor fan. This means you can have the kitchen with a sleeker design. It is more expensive than other hobs but it's a great option for any household. It can also be used to eliminate excess steam and smoke from the kitchen, which can help improve the air quality inside your home. This is a fantastic choice for families, as it is easy to clean and protects against burns. When selecting a kitchen appliance, there are a variety of options to think about. It is important to research them all prior to making your choice.