Choosing the Best Hob

The choice of the right hob is contingent on your cooking preferences as well as the space available. Choosing the right type of hob is dependent on the kind of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.

If you opt for a brand-name model, the basic gas-on glass stove will cost less than PS100. They are easier to clean, and have various safety features such as a red indicator which glows when they are hot.

1. Flexibility

A flexible hob will assist you in achieving your goals, whether it's perfecting your pancake technique or making a quick dinner for a midweek meal. The best hobs give you precise control of heat, and come by incorporating features such as dual wok burners as well as an enormous cooking space which makes them perfect for a wide range of recipes. These hobs can be used in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy-to clean surfaces. In addition, many of them come with the option to add an extractor fan built-in which eliminates the need for an overhead appliance, and freeing up space on your worktop.

Gas hobs offer you instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they're a popular choice. Gas hobs require frequent cleaning to prevent carbon build-up and fires. Additionally, they take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the cooking pan itself rather than the cooker surface which makes them more easy to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, while their glossy surfaces may reveal fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs offer the benefits of gas and induction cooking in one product that lets you change between these two modes based on the type of food you're making. They're ideal for those who want to expand their culinary skills, but don't have the time or space for a full-on kitchen upgrade.

This electric hob is an excellent example of a model that can be flexed in design and function. The dual flex zones can be combined to fit larger pans or pots. The controls also come with an option for children to lock them out of children changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can control the features using your smartphone.

If you're looking for a high-spec induction hob that can connect to your Wi-Fi network at home take a look at this one from Smeg. It comes with a variety of features that make cooking more efficient and faster, including automatic pan detection, PowerBoost, a timer and a pause feature. It's also extremely easy to use with touchscreen controls that respond instantly to changes, and a sleek design that would be perfect for the modern kitchen.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use the least amount of energy regardless of whether you're cooking soup or bringing water to a boiling point. This means that they're a great option for people who want to cut their electricity costs. Induction hobs are the most efficient type, using electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pan to ensure that your glass stays cool. Induction hobs are a safer choice as they protect against accidental burns. But while gas hobs aren't as efficient, they tend to be more affordable to run than electric models.

Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction hob, has plenty of flexibility thanks to its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to merge two cooking zones into one area, so you can cook with large pans and pots. Its touch controls have a child lock to ensure that children cannot switch off the stove or change settings, which is a good option for households with young kids. Ceramic glass is matte however it can be easily cleaned by a simple wipe.

Another amazing feature of this hob and oven is its 'Pan detection' function, which switches off the cooking zone's power when you remove your pan. This is not the only hob that has this feature, but it is a great addition to simplify your life for those who cook for an entire family or group of friends.

This is an intelligent stove that connects to the Internet so you can control it with an app on your smartphone. It will notify you when food is ready to cook so you do not overcook your food. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is a lot for an induction stove. It comes with flexible zones that can be combined and a stop & go' button which reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting.

This induction hob is portable and has a slim design that's ideal for camping or taking to university. It's the thinnest and lightest hob we tested yet it has an extensive set of cooking functions as well as a touch-sensitive slider. It also has a built-in "VaryCook" function that allows you to control the temperature of your pan by moving it up and down on the surface of the hob. This is perfect for making sauces and caramel.

3. Convenience

When selecting a new kitchen appliance, you'll have to consider how it fits with the design of your kitchen and what it will add to the functionality of your home. This will help you narrow down the options to help you select a model that's ideal for your family and property. It's important to read reviews and 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 smart technology, making them the top choice for those who prefer to control their cooking using their smartphone. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that let you to set precise cooking times and avoid overcooking. This is especially beneficial for people who have hectic lives, since the timer lets you ensure that your meals are cooked when they should be without needing to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are also a good option for those who prefer traditional style, since they can be used with a variety of cookware sizes and styles. This includes non-flat-bottomed pans and pans that can be difficult to accommodate on other hobs. Plus, gas hobs often offer a range of settings, meaning you can adjust the heat to fit the pan you are using or your recipe.

Induction hobs are another popular option for those who want to modernize their kitchen, as they provide quicker heat-up times and are more energy efficient than gas models. This is particularly true with induction hobs that have a built-in oven, as they can help you save space in your kitchen by allowing you to have an oven and hob in one unit.

Another thing to look out for is a child lock, that allows you to shut off the controls on a stove and safeguard children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This feature is crucial for families with children since it can help avoid burns and other injuries. In addition, many induction hobs have an option to connect two zones to create a larger cooking area This can be helpful when you're cooking with large pans.

4. Safety

A quality hob will include several safety features. These will include an indicator for hot ovens hobs which will alert you when the surface is hot and will stop kitchen accidents. Some hobs will also have a child lock that will prevent children from turning the hob on or altering the settings. Some hobs have the ability to join two cooking zones into an even larger area, so you can cook a large pan.

This is an excellent feature for families, and can ensure that everyone in the kitchen is secure. It monitors the temperature of the stove and if it determines that the pan isn't set correctly or there is a fire it will shut off the burner immediately. This is a fantastic way to keep your home safe and it's something that you should look for when you are shopping around.

There are a variety of different types of hobs that you can pick from which include electric, gas and induction. Gas hobs use an electric flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob comes with electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs make use of an electric field to heat your pans. They won't work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is a highly efficient type of hob and will cool quickly when the pan has been removed.

This kind of hob can save space since it doesn't require an extractor fan. It is therefore possible to have a the kitchen with a sleeker design. It can be more expensive than other hobs but it is a fantastic choice for any home. It can be used to eliminate the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality at home. This is a great option for families since it protects against burns and is easy to clean. When choosing a hob there are many options to consider. Make sure to research them all before making your decision.