10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Best Hob

How to Choose the Best Hob

There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Decide what features are most important.

A basic ceramic electric hob can cost as little as PS100. However you'll need to pay more for one with numerous features. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, however they are more expensive.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions this cooker from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was also one of the most efficient on test to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and has a pause function, so you can stop the process without having to faff around with the controls.

Its style is sleek and modern and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made from glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit flush on the worktop.

The controls were easy to use and we appreciated the display which shows the current power level as well as which zone is active. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pots of water to the boil quickly. Safety features like the hot hob light or automatic shutdown are also useful.

However, it's not as sensitive to touch as other hobs in this test. We found that it took nine presses of the control to reach the highest temperature, compared with six or seven on other models. It takes a bit longer for the pan to react to changes in temperature. It is possible to adjust the settings a few times to get the right temperature.

The model in 60 cm includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two zones can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans. It features dual-ring design and can operate on both 'normal' ovens and hobs 'boost' power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat while searing it or bring water to a fast boil.

It's fully connected through the hOn app and boasts hundreds of recipes that include cooking instructions and 30 different programs divided into different food categories and preparation types. It has a multislider control panel with a "lockable interface' and can detect the type of pan you're using to set the proper cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans from third parties and has various safety features such as a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free option. Prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now available for less that PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that come with induction it's worth paying more for the latest innovations.

This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots that have a diameter of at least 9cm and automatically will activate the appropriate zone.

Smeg's focus on energy saving doesn't overlook flexibility either - this hob is designed to conserve power by altering the maximum operating temperature of the zones to meet your cooking needs. Eco-Logic advanced mode allows you to reduce energy consumption by reducing the power output to as little as 2.4kW.

Testers were impressed with the hob's user-friendly design that has intuitive controls that slide along the edges of the hob, allowing it to follow the pan. The control panel's color-coded layout allows you to easily identify the status of each zone. The 'Flexi Duo" function allows you connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are a variety of useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.

The oven also comes with a FlameSensor that can alert you in the event of a food item being burned or an igniting fire. There are a variety of safety features such as a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface gets too hot.

It also resists tough stains, and has an anti-smudge coating called CleanProtect. The hob and oven is simple to install and has nine power levels as well as the handy FlexiDuo feature that allows catering for large pans. There are a few bonus features such as locking controls and a safety fuse to prevent accidental button pressing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

Powered by electricity rather than gas, induction hobs use copper plates that create an electric field when a pan is placed on top. They heat up faster than gas hobs and they use less energy because the cooking area only gets hot when you turn on your pan. They're generally less expensive to run than gas and are simpler to wipe clean too and that's why they're a popular choice.

Indesit's induction hob is full of features to help you develop your cooking ideas. It comes with two distinct zones which can be combined into a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, and a rapid booster zone to quickly bring boiling water to. Push&Go, for example, allows you to cook perfectly at the touch a button. The controls are easy to use and let you select nine power options, including the P boost option which gives the highest power to each zone for five minutes.

The controls are easy to use, and the minimalist design is ideal for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan when we put it on the Booster Zone, and pasta water that was boiling. It took some time to cool down after we turned off the hob, and the testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.

As well as the Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob also has a bridge function that allows you to combine two cooking zones to suit larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and overheating block as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's heated to the point of. Our testers appreciated the fact that there were no visible flames or flammable substances and the ceramic glass is easy to clean. Unlike a traditional extractor hood, vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought the duct on this hob was easy to clean, though it took two people to take the filter out and change it.

4. GE Induction Hob

Consider how the hob can be able to fit into the layout and design of your kitchen, as well as what your cooking style is. Induction hobs oven are an excellent choice if you cook with kids or elderly in mind. They come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool to touch surface. For those who are looking for speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass front on an electric hob is the best option. Gas hobs are a great alternative for those living in areas prone to power outages.