Guide To Best Hobs: The Intermediate Guide On Best Hobs
The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs will be robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Gas hobs are the preferred choice of our experts for their versatility and precise flame control. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process by utilizing features like an energy boost or a timer.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking area like gas hobs do magnet technology to heat the copper coils that are beneath your pans. The cooktop stays cool to touch and is therefore safer to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than a traditional kettle and consume less energy. The AEG premium model is a favorite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their specific functions and an hour timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are simple 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 good five-year guarantee and impressive green certifications. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of 700w for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows you to move your pans around within the four zones and alter their power levels to suit your pans or pots, while the 'Power Boost function boosts the output by 50% to ensure speedy boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shutoff function and an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your cooking pan from overheating so you never need to worry about burning food.
This is an induction stove with a low price tag that can be hardwired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified by the ring or cross to indicate the center of the coil. There's also 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 set power levels in the front, middle and rear zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought up to boiling point, simmered and then kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are the best hob uk option to cook in your kitchen. They are the best oven choice for boiling water boiling soups and sauces, simmering them cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to quickly and accurately produce high temperatures making them ideal for boiling and searing.
Their visual flame indication also allows users to check the status of each burner in a glance, which is helpful for security reasons. With an electric hob, it's harder to switch off the burner or forget that it was on.
The majority of models are also constructed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than ceramic counterparts. There is no material that will protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll need to be vigilant in cleaning to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more efficient in energy than their induction cousins because they are able to heat faster and more evenly, which reduces the cost of electricity. This is especially true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can help save space in your kitchen, as well as resulting in a sleeker design that will blend in with any style of interior.
As a result of their effectiveness and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. They are simpler to install and provide more flexibility in the event that you want to create a an elegant kitchen design.
Another advantage of choosing an independent model is the ability to connect it to the bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which provides an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a greener option. However, you'll need be able to find an appropriate LPG stove and boiler before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, ovens and hobs regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are a great choice if you're looking for an energy-efficient, sleek appliance. They are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental fire!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient because they consume less energy than counterparts made of electrical or gas. Induction hobs can be costly and you will need to invest in cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.
If you don't want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, because they don't need difficult scouring. Additionally, they get hot faster than solid plate hobs and are more adaptable to the needs of your cook. They don't have the same efficiency as induction hobs, which means they may not be the best choice if are concerned about your energy consumption.
Then, solid plate hobs are the budget option, with a straightforward and durable design that is perfect for everyday cooking. They're quick to get hot, making them a great option for those who do not require a powerful cooktop. However, they may take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also release a lot of residual heat, which means they're not as efficient as the other choices on this list.
We recommend looking for reviews on retailer websites when you're considering a solid-plate hob. Not only will this provide you with a clear view into how it performs however, it will also help you to find the right model for your home. For example this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob (Writeablog.net) from Currys has been praised by customers and is made of durable stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, creating a sleek and modern appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the advantage of being energy-efficient. While gas hobs can be a preferred choice for many chefs due to their quick heating and control, they are also a popular choice due to the fact that they can provide instant warmth. And with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs offering advanced cooking functions, like power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a fantastic choice for busy households.
When selecting an electric hob, look for one that is sleek with touch controls and no dials or buttons sticking out. They are easier to clean if they have a flat surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have a smart connected home, you may prefer an electronic display that lets you control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For maximum flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob with gas burners and induction. FUJIOH’s FH-IC7020 has both. It comes with intuitive touchscreen controls for zones of induction, and sturdy cast iron pan supports to accommodate traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer, which lets you set specific cooking times for meals so they are ready when needed and reduces the risk of overcooking and making food less delicious.
Lastly, for added convenience, you may want an appliance that allows you to join two cooking zones into one zone for pans of varying dimensions and shapes. This will save space and is useful for cooking in large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs have the option of adding induction plates or Teppanyaki grills to offer additional cooking options.
There are cheap gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and pricier high-end models that cost upwards of PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a reputable brand should still cost you no more than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models, there are many excellent options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply that is plugged in with the correct breakers and cables so you'll need it installed by a licensed electrician.