How to Choose the Best Hob

There are a lot of aspects to consider when choosing the ideal hob, ranging from price to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.

A basic electric ceramic stove can cost as low as PS100 However, you'll need to pay more for a feature-packed model. Gas hobs, which are also popular and provide excellent temperature control, but are expensive, are another option.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones with three 'Push&Go" functions, and will help you prepare quick meals. It was also among the most efficient tests to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It comes with the child lock as well as a pause function so you can stop the process swiftly without having to fiddle with controls.

Its design is sleek, modern and is a great match for contemporary kitchens. It's typically made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and comes with control buttons that sit flush with the worktop to make it easy to use.

The controls were simple to use, and we liked the display which shows the current power level and which zone is currently in use. The "Boost" feature produces high-powered heat in a short time. It's ideal for stir-frying and rapidly bringing pans to boil. Safety features such as the light on the hot hob or automatic shutdown are also useful.

It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. We found that it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, as opposed to six or seven on other models. It also takes longer for the pan to respond when you change the temperature. It is possible to adjust the settings several times to achieve the correct heat.

This model is 60cm long and has four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone that two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. It features a dual-ring design and can operate on both 'normal and boost power levels. It is great for cooking meat and searing it, or bringing water to a rapid boil.

It is fully connected to the hOn app and includes 100's of recipes, guides for cooking, and 30 unique programmes divided into different food categories and types of preparation. It features a multislider controls panel with a 'lockable interface' that can identify the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn cookware from third party companies and has a number of security features, including a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Whether you're having work done on your kitchen or simply looking for an alternative to gas induction hobs, they are becoming more popular. Prices have dropped drastically in the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now available for less than PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that are included in the induction system it's worth paying more to get the latest technology.

This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology that makes your cooking energy efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots that have dimensions of at least 9cm and then automatically will activate the appropriate zone.

Smeg's attention to energy savings does not mean that they don't offer flexibility This hob is designed to save power by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to meet your cooking requirements. There are options to save even more energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 4 kW.

The user-friendly interface of this stove impressed testers, thanks to its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan's edge the edges of it. The color scheme of the control panel allows you to quickly determine the operational status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones to cater for larger pans. There are many useful features, including four automatic cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.

In addition, the hob has a 'FlameSensor' which alerts you of any risk of burning or burning food. There are also several safety features, including a residual heat indicator and an automatic shut-off when the surface is too hot.

It is also resistant to tough stains and features an anti-smudge coating called CleanProtect. This hob has nine power levels as well as a 'FlexiDuo feature' for accommodating large pans and is simple to set up. There are also a variety of extra features, such as locking controls and an emergency fuse in the event of accidental button pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to create an electric force when a pot or pan is placed on them. This means they can heat up more quickly than gas hobs. They can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on the pan. They are generally cheaper to operate than gas and they are also simpler to clean.

This induction hob from Indesit is packed with features that allow you to be creative in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to create a Dual Zone for larger pans as well as an accelerated Booster zone to bring water to the boiling point quickly. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go let you cook your food perfectly at the touch of the button. And nine power modes, including a 'P boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily selected using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the hob to follow your pans.

The controls are easy to use and the minimalist design is perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan once we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. However, it took an extended time to cool off after we shut off the hob. Additionally, our testers were unable to determine the precise temperature on the control panel.

This Indesit hob also features a bridge function that allows you to connect two cooking zones for larger pans. It also has an overheating and child lock block and an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's too hot. The ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no flames visible. Our testers liked the fact that it's. Ventilated hobs unlike traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan out of the room via a duct located on hob uk the surface. The duct on this hob was easy to clean, however it required two people in order to remove the filter.

4. Induction Hob by General Electric

Consider how the stove will be able to fit into your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style. For instance, if often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, security features such as an automatic shut-off or an icy to the touch surface could make an induction cooker an ideal option. For those who prioritize efficiency and speed, an electric stove with a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is the best choice. Gas hobs are an excellent alternative for those living in areas that are susceptible to power outages.