Guide To Best Hobs: The Intermediate Guide To Best Hobs

The Best Hobs

Hobs are available in a variety of materials and sizes. The most durable hobs are sturdy, stylish and easy to clean.

Our experts prefer gas hobs for their precise flame control and versatility. However, electric models can offer superior energy efficiency and are also easier to keep clean. You can speed up the cooking process with features such as a power boost and a timer.

1. Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a modern, efficient alternative to the traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do, they employ magnet technology to heat only the copper coils beneath the pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the point of contact, making them more secure to use and easier to clean. They are able to boil more quickly than kettles and use less power. They're now a common kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's test kitchen and we love this elegant, premium model from AEG which boasts four cooking zones, each with its own controlled functions as well as an easy-to-use minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are easy to use. However, the heat distribution is uneven. This is a common issue with all induction stoves.

The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco certifications. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency with a low energy consumption of just 700w for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows you to move your pans around in the four zones and alter the power levels to fit the pans or pots you use, while the 'Power Boost feature boosts the output by 50% to ensure rapid boiling. The auto-shutoff function and the 'fryingSensor,' which helps to prevent overheating of your pan are also helpful features.

This is a fantastic affordable induction cooker that can be easily hardwired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with the ring, cross or arrow to indicate the coil's centre. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease and is pre-programmed so that you have power levels set in the front, middle and rear zones. This is an excellent option for cooking with a variety of pans of various sizes and shapes that need to be heated up and simmered at the exact time, and kept warm.

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. These are the ultimate go-to for boiling water simmering sauces and soups, frying eggs and pan-frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to produce high temperatures quickly and precisely, making them perfect for boiling and searing.

Their visual flame indication also makes it easy to check the status of each burner at a glance, which is beneficial for safety reasons. With an electric hob, it's much harder to switch off a burner or forget that it was turned on.

The majority of models are also constructed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. However, it appears that there's nothing that can keep out spills and splashes completely, which is why you'll need to be on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts as they heat up more quickly and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is especially true for vented stoves, which incorporate the two appliances in one unit and eliminate the need for a vent hood. This will save space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker appearance that will blend into any style of interior.

As a result of their efficiency and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that stand on their own rather than built-in versions. They are more straightforward to install and offer more flexibility when you want to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.

A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. But, you'll need find a suitable LPG boiler and stove before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply as well as ventilation and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.

3. Hobs with Sealed Plates

If you're looking for a sleek and energy-efficient option an induction hob is definitely the way to go. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly while the glass-ceramic surface of the hob keeps it cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than electrical or gas counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they are expensive to purchase and you'll have to purchase an induction-compatible set of cookware.

If you don't wish to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They are more aesthetically appealing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs oven (Ongoing) because they don't need hard scrubbing. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don't have the same efficiency as induction hobs, so they may not be the best choice if are worried about your energy consumption.

Finally, solid plate hobs are a good budget option, with a straightforward and reliable design that's perfect for everyday cooking. They're easy to warm up, which makes them an ideal option for those who don't require a large cooktop. However, they do take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs are also not as energy efficient as other alternatives.

We suggest that you search for reviews on retailer websites if you are considering a solid-plate hob. Not only will this give you an honest insight into the performance of the appliance however, it will also help you to find the perfect model for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it's finished in durable stainless steel. The black controls blend with other kitchen appliances, giving it a minimal and contemporary appearance.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks thanks to their instant heat and easy control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking features like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.

When selecting an electric hob, look for one that is sleek with touch controls and no buttons or dials sticking out. They are more easy to clean if they have a flat surface, and won't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks and hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to prevent accidents. If you're a smart-connected home, opt for digital displays that give you a remote control and alerts through your smartphone, so you can control your hob easily.

To maximize flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob with gas and induction burners. FUJIOH’s FH-IC7020 has both. It comes with intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and sturdy cast iron pan supports to allow traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set cooking times to ensure that food is ready when you need it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long, and can make your food less flavorful.

For added convenience For added convenience, a model that has two separate zones for cooking pans of different shapes and sizes could be the best choice. This can help save space and can be beneficial if you cook with large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or Teppanyaki grills to give you additional cooking options.

There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs that start at PS100 and higher-end models that can cost as high as PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or an induction model from a major brand should not cost more than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models, there are many excellent options from own-brand manufacturers. But, keep in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply configured with the right breakers and cables so you'll need it installed by a licensed electrician.