The Best Hobs
Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The best hobs will be robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Gas hobs are the preferred choice of our experts due to their versatility and precise flame control. However, electric models can offer superior energy efficiency and are more easy to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by utilizing features such as power boosts and a timer.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a contemporary and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space as do gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to only warm the copper coils that are below the pans. The cooktop is cool to touch, making it safer to use and simpler for cleaning. They can boil water faster than a kettle and use less power. They're now a common kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh test kitchen, and we are in love with this elegant, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions as well as an easy-to-use minute timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are easy to use. However the distribution of heat is patchy. This is a common issue with all induction hobs.
The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive eco certifications. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency, with the lowest power consumption of just 750w per cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you to move your pans between the four zones and adjust the power levels according to the size of your saucepans or pots. In addition, the "Power Boost" function increases the output of the hob by 50% to speed up boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shutoff function, as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents the pan from overheating, so you don't need to worry about burning food.
This is a budget-friendly induction hob that is easily wired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with a ring or cross to indicate the center of the coil. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a wide 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pots and pans with ease and is pre-programmed to have power levels that are set in the front and middle zones as well as the rear. This is great if you regularly cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought to a boil, simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop for those who are American) remains the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are the best for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups, frying meats and eggs, and pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to rapidly and accurately create high temperatures making them ideal for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at a glance. This is extremely useful for security. With an electric hob, it's harder to switch off an appliance or forget it was on.
Most models are also designed with a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll need to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting stained over time.
Gas hobs are more energy efficient than their induction cousins, as they heat up more quickly and evenly, which saves the cost of electricity. This is especially true with vented hobs that combine two appliances and remove the need for an grill. This can free up space in your kitchen and create an elegant look that can fit in with any interior style.
Due to their efficiency and ease of use, many homeowners opt for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. They are simpler to install, and offer more flexibility when you want to achieve a minimalistic kitchen look.
Another benefit of going for freestanding models is the possibility of connecting it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which provides an alternative energy source for you're looking for a more sustainable alternative. However, you'll need find an appropriate LPG stove and boiler before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
If you're looking for an energy-efficient and sleek option an induction hob is the best way to go. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly and the flat ceramic-ceramic glass surface keeps it cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, as they consume less electricity than electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs are expensive and you will need to buy cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a great option for those who do not want to invest in the technology of induction. These sleek and stylish hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They're more visually appealing and easy to clean than solid plate hobs because they don't need lengthy scouring. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They do not offer the same energy efficiency as induction hobs. Therefore, they might not be an ideal choice if you are get more info concerned about your energy usage.
Solid plate hobs, a low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are perfect for cooking at home. They're quick to warm up and are perfect for those who don't require a powerful cooktop, however they're slow to cool down, which is why they're not the best choice for chefs who love to multitask. Solid plate hobs also give off a lot of residual heat, which means they're not as efficient in energy use as other choices on this list.
We suggest that you search for reviews on websites of retailers when you're considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide an honest assessment of the quality of the product, but will also aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. For example, this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is finished in long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls match in with other kitchen appliances, creating a a modern and minimal look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks thanks to their rapid heat and simple control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have advanced cooking features like power up settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.
Find an electric hob that has a streamlined design with touch controls. Avoid models with dials or buttons that protrude. They are easier to clean with a flat surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks and hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, you may opt for a digital display which lets you control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
To maximize flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob that includes induction and gas burners. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set certain cooking times so that your food is ready at the time you require it. This reduces the risk of cooking too long and makes your food less tasty.
Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want an appliance that allows you to join two cooking zones into a single zone for pans of varying dimensions and shapes. This will save space and be useful if you cook with large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills as additional cooking options.
Gas hobs are available in a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to top-of-the-line models that cost up to PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a major brand should cost not more than PS200. If you're looking for an elegant glass model it won't cost a fortune either as there are some excellent own-brand options. But, keep in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs need a specific supply with the appropriate cables and breakers to work so you'll need it installed by a licensed electrician.