Choosing the Best Hob

The choice of the right hob is contingent on your cooking preferences as well as available space. The selection of the best ovens and hobs uk hob is dependent on the type of worktop you have and the location of your extractor hood.

A basic gas-on-glass stove costs less than PS100 If you select an original brand. They're easier to clean and have a range of safety features, including the red indicator that illuminates when the surface is heated.

1. Flexibility

A hob that is flexible will assist you in achieving your goals, whether that's perfecting your pancake technique or making a quick meal for midweek. The best ovens and hobs uk hobs give you precise control of heat, and come with features like dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area making them ideal for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a range of kitchens due to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Plus, many come with the option of adding an integrated extractor fan which eliminates the need for an additional overhead appliance and freeing space on your worktop.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat, so it's no surprise that they are a popular option. However, they need regular cleaning to ensure that you don't run the risk of carbon build-up on your stove or a fire bursting out. They also take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the cooking pan itself instead of the cooktop surface, so they are generally cleaner to maintain. They can be more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints.

Hybrid hobs blend gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between the two modes depending on what you're cooking. They're ideal for those who like to flex their culinary skills but don't have the time or space for a full-on kitchen upgrade.

This electric hob is a great example of a product that offers flexibility in style and functionality. Its dual flex zones can be combined to accommodate larger pots and pans, while its controls have an option for locking children that stops children from changing the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub so you can manage its functions from your smartphone.

Smeg's induction stove is a high-end model that can be connected to your WiFI network. It's loaded with features that facilitate cooking faster and more easily such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as the ability to set a timer as well as an option to pause. It is also very easy to use, with touch controls that respond immediately to changes you make and sleek, modern design.

2. Energy efficiency

The best hobs use the least amount of energy, whether you're simmering soup or bringing water to a boil. This means they're an excellent choice for those who want to cut their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient type employing electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly so that the glass stays cool. This also ensures they are safe and prevents accidental burns. Gas hobs might not be as efficient, but they are cheaper to operate than electric ones.

The Miele I Flex induction hob is our top pick. It provides a lot of flexibility thanks to the 'I Flex' zone, which allows you to combine two cooking zones into one big area which allows you to use large pots and saucepans. The controls on the touch screen have an option for children to lock the controls to ensure that children cannot switch off the stove or alter the settings this is a great option for households with young children. The ceramic glass is matte, but it can be cleaned by wiping it clean.

The Hob also has the 'Pan detection function' that automatically turns off the power to a specific cooking area when you remove a pan. This is not the only hob with this feature, but it's an excellent addition to make your life easier if you cook for a large family or group of friends.

This is a smart hob that connects to internet so that you can control it via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can also notify you when your food is ready, so you don't overcook it. It took only four minutes to boil our test pan of water on this model, which is very fast for an induction cooktop. It comes with flexible zones that you can mix, and a Stop & go' button which reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting.

This compact induction cooker is ideal for camping and also for taking to university. It is the thinnest and lightest hob that we tested, but it still includes all of our cooking features and a responsive slider. It also has a built-in 'VaryCook' function which lets you vary the temperature by moving your pan upwards and downwards on the surface of the hob. This is perfect to make caramel or sauces.

3. Convenience

You'll need to think about how the hob will fit into your kitchen and what it could help improve the efficiency of your home. This will help you narrow down your choices to help you select a model that's ideal for your family and home. It's also worth reading reviews to learn what other users have to say about the appliance, since this can help you to discern its strengths and weaknesses.

Certain hob brands are famous for their smart technology, which makes them the ideal choice for those who wish to control their cooking via their smartphone. Samsung's models, for example come with electronic timers that allow you to set precise times and prevent overcooking. This is especially useful for people who have hectic lives, since the timer allows you to ensure that your meals are cooked at the time they should be without needing to keep an eye on them.

Gas hobs are an ideal option for those who want a more traditional feel. They are able to cook using a wide variety of cookware sizes as well as styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed pans and pans on gas hobs. Gas hobs usually come with a variety of settings, so that you can alter the temperature to fit the recipe you are cooking.

Induction hobs, which are more energy-efficient than gas models and offer faster heating times, are also a popular choice among those who want to modernize their kitchen. This is particularly true with induction hobs that have an oven built in, since they can reduce space in your kitchen by allowing you to have an oven and hob in one unit.

Another feature to look out for is a child lock, which allows you to block the controls on a stove and safeguard children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This feature is especially important for families with young children, as it will help prevent burns and other injuries. Induction hobs often have a feature that allows the linking of two zones, creating an even larger cooking area. This is useful if you use large pans.

4. Safety

A quality hob will include many safety features. These include a hot hob indicator which will alert you when the surface is heated and can prevent accidents in the kitchen. Some hobs have an option for locking the hob to prevent children from turning on the hob or altering the settings. Some will have a function that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone so that you can cook a wider pan.

This is an excellent feature for family households and can help ensure everyone's safety in the kitchen. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the stove and if it senses that the pan isn't positioned properly or there's an occurrence of fire, it will shut off the burner instantly. This is a great method to ensure that your home is secure and is something you should be looking for when you shop around.

You can select between electric, gas and induction hobs and ovens. A gas hob uses an electric flame to heat your pans, while an electric hob has electric rings that you are able to control by pressing the button. Induction hobs use a magnetic field for heating your pans. They won't work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. It is a very efficient hob and will cool quickly once the pan is removed.

This kind of hob is an ideal space saver since it does not require an extractor fan, so you can have a streamlined kitchen design. It's more expensive than other types of hobs, however it's an excellent choice for any family. It can be used to eliminate the excess steam and smoke from the kitchen. This can improve the air quality in your home. This is a great option for families as it is easy to clean and shields against burns. There are many options to consider when selecting the right hob, so make sure you take the time to study each one prior to making a decision.