How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is essential.
A basic electric ceramic hob can cost as little as PS100 However, you'll need to pay more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones, three 'Push&Go" functions, and will aid in cooking quick meals. It was one of the fastest to boil water in our tests, taking only four minutes. It's child-safe and comes with an pause feature, meaning you can quickly stop the process without having to mess around using controls.
Its style is modern and sleek it blends seamlessly with modern kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features 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 that shows the current power level as well as which zone is currently in use. The 'Boost' feature creates high-powered heat for a brief period of time, and is perfect for stir-frying or bringing pots of water to the boil quickly. Safety features like the hot hob light and automatic shutoff are useful.
However it's not as responsive to touch as some other hobs in this test. We observed that it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, in contrast to seven or six on other models. It takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings multiple times before your pan reaches the right heat.
The model measures 60 cm and comes with four cooking zones. One of them is a half-flex zone, where two areas can easily be joined to accommodate larger pots or pans. It features a dual-ring design and can function on both 'normal' and 'boost power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat and searing it, or making water come to a quick boiling.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and comes with 100's of recipes with guided cooking and 30 unique programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It comes with a user-friendly multislider interface, as well as a lockable control panel. In addition, it can automatically detect the type of pan you're using and set up the right cooking mode. It's also compatible with third-party hOn sets and has a range of safety features, such as a lockable control panel and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have plummeted in the last few years, with basic four-zone models starting at less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that are included in the induction system it's worth paying more for the latest innovations.
This sleek model from Smeg has the latest induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and energy efficient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9cm, allowing you to switch on the appropriate zone without having to manually select it.
Smeg's main focus is on energy efficiency however, it doesn't overlook flexibility - this hob can be adjusted to conserve energy based on the highest operating temperatures of the zones. There are also options to save energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode, which reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 2 kW.
Testers were impressed by the hob's user-friendly design, with intuitive sliding controls that move along the edges of the hob, allowing it to follow your pan. The control panel's colour-coded scheme makes it easy to determine the status of each zone. The "Flexi Duo" function allows the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful features, such as four cooking presets for automatic cooking (melting boiling slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
In addition to this, the hob has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you of any risk of a fire or burnt-on food. There are other safety features, including a residual heat indicator as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface becomes too hot.
It also resists tough stains and features a protective coating of CleanProtect. This hob has nine power levels as well as an 'FlexiDuo feature' that is perfect to allow for large pans, and is simple to set up. There are a few bonus features like lockable controls, and a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They utilize copper plates to create a magnetic force when a pot or pan is placed on them. They can heat up much faster than gas hobs and they use less energy because the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on the pan. They are generally less expensive 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 separate 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 a boiling point quickly. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go lets you create perfectly cooked meals at the touch of one button. 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 cooktop to follow the pans.
The controls are simple to use and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it quickly heated up a pan once we put it on the Booster Zone and pasta water that was boiling. However, it took an extended time to cool off after we shut off the hob and our test participants were unable to pinpoint the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with the bridge function, which allows the user to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It comes with a child lock, an overheating block and an automatic switch-off feature that prevents the hob from working when it gets too hot. The ceramic glass is simple to clean and has here no visible flames. Our testers liked the fact that there was no visible flame. Ventilated hobs unlike traditional extractors draw steam and smoke from the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is located on the surface. Our experts thought that the duct on this hob was easy to clean, even though it required two people to take the filter out and change it.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the stove can fit into 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 come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool to touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency an electric hob that has a clean ceramic glass facia is a great choice. Gas hobs are a good option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.