How to Choose the Best Hob
When selecting the ideal hob to buy, there are many factors to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is essential.
A basic electric ceramic stove can cost as low as PS100, but you'll need to shell out more to get a high-end model. Gas hobs are another popular choice and provide great temperature control, but they're pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions, this cooker from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was also among the most efficient tested to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and has a pause function, so you can stop the process without having to faff around using controls.
Its style is modern and sleek and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and rest flush on the worktop.
The controls were simple to use and we loved the display which shows the current power level as well as which zone is in use. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is perfect for stir-frying or bringing pans of boiling water to a boil fast. Safety features like the hob light that is hot or automatic shut-off are also beneficial.
However best oven uk 's not as responsive to touch as other hobs in this test. We observed that it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, in contrast to six or seven on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the temperature of cooking, which means you may have to change settings several times before the pan is at the right temperature.
This model is 60cm long and has four cooking zones. One of the zones is a half-flex which allows two areas to easily be joined to accommodate larger pans or pots. Dual-ring design permits it to operate on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is ideal for frying, searing meat or bringing pots of water to the rapid boil.
It's fully connected through the hOn app, and offers hundreds of recipes that include cooking instructions and 30 different programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It comes with a multislider control panel with a "lockable interface' that detects the type of pan you're using to set the proper cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn cookware from third party companies and has various security features, including a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Whether you're having work done in your kitchen, or seeking a better alternative to gas, induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular. Prices have slashed dramatically over the past few years. The basic four-zone models are now sold at less than PS100. If you are looking for the most modern induction technology, it is worth the extra cost.
This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction tech to keep your cooking efficient and easy. The unique Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9 cm, allowing you to activate the appropriate zone without having to manually select it.
Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency doesn't overlook flexibility either The hob is built to conserve power by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking requirements. There are also options to save even more energy with the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 kW.
The user-friendly interface of this cooker was a hit with testers, thanks to its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edges of it. The color scheme of the control panel helps you quickly identify the status of each zone, and the Flexi Duo function allows you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pots. There are many useful features, such as four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
In addition to this the hob also has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you when there is a risk of a burning or burning food. There are a variety of safety features like a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface becomes too hot.
It's also hard-wearing with the CleanProtect coating that is designed to help it resist tough staining and cooking marks. The hob comes with nine power levels, a 'FlexiDuo feature' to allow for large pans, and is easy to put in. There are some additional features such as locking controls and a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to create magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. This means they can reach a temperature much quicker than conventional gas hobs. They can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking area only heats up when you turn on the pan. They're generally less expensive than gas and are easier to clean, which makes them a popular choice.
This induction hob by Indesit is packed full of features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to form an Integrated Zone for larger pans and the Booster Zone is quick to bring water to the boil quickly. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go lets you achieve perfectly cooked dishes with the click of one button. There are nine power modes, including a 'P boost' setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, can be easily selected using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the cooktop to follow your pans.
The controls are simple to operate, and the minimalist design is ideal for modern kitchens. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and was quick to heat up after placing an oven on the Booster zone. However it took an extended time to cool down once it was turned off from the hob and our testers found it difficult to determine the precise temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also has the bridge function, which allows you to connect two cooking zones for larger pans. It also has a child lock as well as an overheating block. It also has an automatic switch-off system which prevents the hob from working when it gets too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no visible flames. Our testers liked the fact that there was no visible flame. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke out of the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is built into the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, but it required two people to take the filter out.
4. Induction Hob from General Electric
When selecting a kitchen appliance take a look at how it fits to your kitchen's style and layout, as well as your cooking style and your lifestyle. For instance, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, security features like an automatic shut-off feature and a cool to the touch surface can make an induction cooker the best choice. For those who value efficiency and speed, an electric stove with a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is a great choice. Gas hobs are an excellent option for those who live in areas susceptible to power outages.