Guide To Best Hobs: The Intermediate Guide Towards Best Hobs
The best ovens and hobs uk Hobs
Hobs come in a range of materials and sizes. The most durable hobs are sturdy elegant, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. However, electric models can offer superior energy efficiency and are more easy to clean. Look for features such as a timer or power boost which allow you to increase the heat quickly to accelerate cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a modern efficient and effective alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do, they use magnet technology to only heat the copper coils beneath your pans. The cooktop stays cool to the touch which makes it safer to use and simpler to clean. They are able to boil water faster than kettles and require less energy. The AEG premium model is a favorite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their distinct functions, as well as an hour minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are easy to use. However the distribution of heat is uneven. This is a frequent complaint for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating, with the lowest power consumption of 750w for each cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you move your pans within the four zones, and adjust the power levels according to the size of your saucepans or pots. In addition, the "Power boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up boiling. The auto-shutoff feature and the 'fryingSensor,' which ensures that your pan is not overheated, are also useful features.
This is an induction cooktop with a reasonable price that can be wired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified by a ring or cross to indicate the coil centre. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It comes with a large "Flux Zone" which can hold larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed with preset power levels for the front and middle zones. This is great if you often cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought to a boiling point, then simmered and kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) is still the best when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. They are the best 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 rapidly and accurately create high heat levels, making them perfect for searing and boiling.
The visual flame indicator allows you to see the status of every burner in one glance, which is beneficial for safety reasons. It's a lot harder to forget about leaving the burner on, or switch it off accidentally as it is with an electric hob.
Most models are also designed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes and spills. You'll have to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are more energy-efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up faster and evenly, saving on the cost of electricity. This is especially true with vented hobs that combine two appliances and remove the need for the hood. This will save space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker appearance that will blend into any style of interior.
Many homeowners prefer gas hobs with freestanding design over built-in models due to their effectiveness and ease of use. They are less difficult to set up and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve minimalist kitchen designs.
Another benefit of opting for freestanding models is the ability to connect it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative energy source for you're looking for a greener alternative. You'll need to locate an LPG stove and boiler you like before you look into this option. Additionally, these models will require gas supply and ventilation, as well as regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.
3. Sealed Plate hobs oven
If you're looking for an elegant and energy-efficient choice, an induction hob is definitely the option to choose. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat ceramic-ceramic glass surface stays cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are less dangerous (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they use less energy than their counterparts made of electrical or gas. Induction hobs are expensive 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 are a great middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top that conceals heating elements. They're more visually pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs since they don't require difficult scouring. They also heat up faster than solid plate hobs and are more adaptable to the needs of your cook. They don't have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they may not be the best choice if are worried about your energy consumption.
Finally, solid plate hobs are the budget option, with a simple and reliable design that's perfect for cooking in the everyday. They're easy to heat up and are ideal for those who don't require a powerful cooktop, however they can be slow to cool down, so they're not the ideal choice for dynamic chefs who like to multitask. Solid plate hobs also release lots of heat, which means they're not as energy-efficient like the other options on this list.
If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we recommend looking for one that's been reviewed by customers on the websites of retailers. This will not only provide a true insight into the performance of the model, but will also help you find the one that is suitable for your home. Customers have rated this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's made of robust stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other kitchen appliances with a sleek and modern look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a popular choice for many cooks due to their rapid heat and easy control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. With modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, like power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a great option for busy households.
When selecting an electric hob make sure you choose one that's streamlined with touch controls and no dials or buttons hanging out. This makes them easy to clean, especially if you opt for flat surfaces that don't chip or scratch. 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 might want to choose a digital display that allows you to control your hob remotely and Hob receive notifications via your smartphone.
Look into a dual-fuel stove that comes with both induction and gas burners for maximum flexibility. The FH-IC7020 by FUJIOH comes with both. It comes with intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones, and sturdy cast iron pan supports to support traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set cooking times to ensure that your food is ready when you need it. This reduces the risk of cooking too long, and can make your food less delicious.
For added convenience, you may need an appliance that allows you to combine two cooking zones into one zone for pans of varying dimensions and shapes. This will save space and is useful if you cook with large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills as extra cooking options.
You'll find cheap own-brand gas hobs starting at PS100 and higher-end models that can cost as high as PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob and oven from a major brand should still cost you less than PS200. And if you want an elegant glass model it won't cost a fortune also, as there are excellent own-brand options. However, bear in mind that both ceramic and induction hobs need a specific supply that is plugged in with the correct cables and breakers to work so you'll need to get it installed by a qualified electrician.