How to Choose the Best Hob
There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from price to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is crucial.
A basic ceramic electric stove costs just PS100. However, you will need to pay more for a model that comes with many features. Gas hobs, which are also well-known and offer excellent temperature control but are more expensive, are another alternative.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this hob from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was also among the quickest tests to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It has the child lock as well as a an pause feature, so you can stop the process swiftly without having to mess with controls.
Its design is sleek, modern and is a great match for modern kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit flush on the worktop.
Ovens & Hobs were simple to use and we appreciated the display that shows the current power level as well as which zone is active. The 'Boost" feature produces high-powered heat in a brief time. It is perfect to stir fry and speedily heating up pans. The hob's light that is hot and auto shut-off are great safety features, too.
However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, compared to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the temperature of cooking, which means you may have to change settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.
This model is 60cm long and comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex area where two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. It has a dual-ring design that is able to operate on both normal as well as 'boost' power levels. The Boost model is great for frying and searing meat, or bringing pans of water to the rapid boil.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and comes with 100's of recipes with guided cooking and 30 unique programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It has an intuitive multislider interface as well as a lockable control panel. In addition, it is able to automatically detect the kind of pan you're using and set the correct cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn sets and has a range of security features, including the control panel that can be locked 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 over the past few years, with the simplest four-zone models costing less than PS100. If you are looking for the most modern induction technology, it is worth the extra cost.
This sleek model from Smeg has the latest induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The revolutionary Auto-pot detection technology automatically recognises the position of pots that have a minimum diameter of 9 cm, allowing you to switch on the appropriate zone without having to select it manually.
Smeg's primary focus is on energy efficiency however, it doesn't overlook the possibility of flexibility. The hob can be adjusted to conserve power based on the maximum operating temperatures of the zones. Eco-Logic advanced mode lets you to reduce energy consumption, reducing the power output to as low as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed by the user-friendly interface of this hob with easy-to-use controls that move across the edge of the hob, allowing it to follow your pan. The color scheme of the control panel lets you quickly see the operating status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones together to cater for larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
The oven also comes with a FlameSensor that can alert you in the event of a meal that's been burned or the possibility of a fire. There are other safety features, including an indicator of residual heat and an auto shut-off feature if the surface gets too hot.
It is also resistant to tough stains, and has a protective coating of CleanProtect. The hob comes with nine power levels and a 'FlexiDuo feature' to accommodate large pans and is easy to put in. There are some additional features like 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 use copper plates to generate a magnetic force when a pot or pan is placed on them. This means they can heat up much quicker than conventional gas hobs and also conserve energy since the cooking zone only heats up when you turn on a pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas and are simpler to clean and that's why they're an extremely popular choice.
This induction hob from Indesit is packed full of features that allow you to get creative in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to form a Dual Zone for larger pots and an accelerated Booster zone to bring water to the boil quickly. A range of automatic functions like Push&Go allow you to cook your food perfectly by pressing a button. And nine power modes that include 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 hob to track your pans.
The controls are also easy to operate and feature modern, minimalist designs that's ideal for a contemporary kitchen. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up when we put an oven on the Booster zone. It took some time to cool down after turning off the hob, and the testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with a bridge function, which allows you to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also has an overheating and child lock block, as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no flames visible. Our testers liked the fact that there was no visible flame. Ventilated hobs unlike traditional extractors draw steam and smoke from the pan out of the room through a duct located on the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, but it required two people in order to remove the filter.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the hob will fit into the layout and design of your kitchen and what your cooking style. For example, if you often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, security features like an automatic shut-off feature and cool to the touch surface could make an induction stove the best option. For those who prioritize efficiency and speed an electric hob that has a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is ideal. Gas hobs are a great option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.