How to Choose the Best Hob
When choosing the best hob, there are many factors to consider. From price to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic ceramic electric hob costs just PS100. However you'll need to pay more for a model that comes with many features. Gas hobs, which are also popular and provide excellent temperature control but are more expensive, are a different option.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this stove from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was among the fastest to boil water in our tests, taking only four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and features a pause function, so you can quickly stop the process without having to mess around with the controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary, blending in well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and rest flush on the worktop.
The controls were simple to operate and we appreciated the display that displays the current power level and the zone that is currently in use. The "Boost" feature generates high-powered heat in a short time. It is perfect for stir-frying and quickly bringing pans to boil. The hob's hot light and automatic shutdown are useful security features, too.
It's not as responsive as the other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, in comparison to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, meaning you may have to change settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.
This 60 cm model comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex zone where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. It features a dual-ring design that is able to operate on both normal as well as 'boost power levels. Boost is ideal for frying, searing meat or bringing pots of water to a rapid boil.
It is fully connected to the hOn App and has hundreds of recipes, a guide to cooking, and 30 special programs divided into various food categories and types of preparation. It comes with a multislider control panel that has a lockable interface' and can detect the type pan you are using to determine the appropriate cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn pans made by third-party manufacturers and comes with a number of safety features like the ability to lock the panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or are looking for a gas-free option. Prices have dropped in the last few years, with the simplest four-zone models starting at less than PS100. If you are looking for the most modern induction technology, it is worth the extra cost.
This sleek-looking model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction tech to keep your cooking efficient and easy. The unique Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots that have a minimum diameter of 9 cm, allowing you to select the correct zone without having to select it manually.
Smeg's focus on energy saving does not mean that they don't offer flexibility This hob is designed to conserve power by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking needs. Eco-Logic advanced mode allows you to reduce energy consumption by reducing power output to as little as 2.4kW.
Testers were impressed by this hob's user-friendly interface 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, such as four automatic cooking presets (melting, boiling slow cooking, 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 food item being burned or the possibility of a fire. There are also several safety features, such as an indicator of residual heat and an automatic shut-off when the surface gets too hot.
It is also resistant to tough stains, and has a CleanProtect protective coating. This hob is easy to install and features nine power levels as well as the handy FlexiDuo feature that allows catering for large pans. There are a host of additional features, like lockable controls and a safety fuse in case of accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Powered by electricity rather than gas, induction stoves utilize copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is placed on the top. This means that they can reach a temperature more quickly than gas hobs. They can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking area only is heated when you turn on the pan. They are generally less expensive to run than gas, and they are also easier to clean.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to help you develop your cooking ideas. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to create a Dual Zone for larger pans and an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. A range of automatic functions like Push&Go allow you to create perfectly cooked meals by pressing a button. Nine power modes, including a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, can be easily set using the controls, which move across the bottom of the hob to track the pans.
The controls are also easy to operate and feature an elegant, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan after we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. It took a while for it to cool down after we turned off the hob, and our test subjects were unable to determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also features the bridge function, which allows you to connect two cooking zones for larger pans. It comes with a child lock and an overheating block as well as an automatic switch-off feature that prevents the hob from working when it gets too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no visible flames. 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 the surface. oven uk on this hob was easy to clean, however it required two people to remove the filter.
4. Induction Hob by General Electric
Consider how the hob can work with your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style. Induction hobs are a good choice for cooking with children or the elderly in mind. They are equipped with safety features like automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. If you're looking for speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass fascia on an electric hob is the ideal option. Gas hobs are an excellent alternative for those living in areas susceptible to power outages.