How to Choose the Best Hob

When choosing the best hob for your needs there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. From cost to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are important is crucial.

A basic electric ceramic hob can cost as little as PS100 However, you'll need to shell out more for a model with a lot of features. Gas hobs, which are also popular and offer great temperature control but are more expensive, are a different alternative.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier stove has four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions, and can help you prepare quick meals. It was also among the quickest tests to boil water, which took just under four minutes. It's child-safe and comes with a pause function, so you can stop the process without having to mess around using controls.

Its design is sleek and modern it blends seamlessly with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit in a flush position on the countertop.

The controls are simple to use, and we appreciated the clear display which tells you the current power setting, and which of the five zones is active. The "Boost" feature generates high-powered heat in a short time. It is ideal for stir-frying and quickly bringing pans to boil. The hot hob light and auto shut-off are great safety features, too.

It's not as responsive as other hobs we tested in this test. We found that it took nine presses of the control to attain the highest temperature compared with six or seven on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, so you may have to change settings several times before your pan is ready to cook at the proper temperature.

This 60 cm model has four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated with both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat oven and hob searing it, or bringing water to a rapid boiling.

It is fully integrated with the hOn App and has 100's of recipes, guides for cooking, and 30 special programmes divided into different food categories and types of preparation. It features a multislider controls panel that has a lockable interface' that can identify the type of pan you're using to determine the appropriate cooking mode. It also works with hOn pans made by third parties and has several safety features like a lockable panel as well as boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free option. Prices have dropped in the last few years, with basic four-zone models available for less than PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth paying more for the most up-to-date technology.

miao.wondershare.cn - also conserve energy since the cooking zone only is heated when you turn on a pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas, and they are also easier to clean.

This induction hob from Indesit is packed with features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to create an Integrated Zone for larger pans as well as the Booster Zone is quick that can bring water to boil quickly. The Push&Go feature, for Ovens and hobs uk instance, allows you to cook perfectly by pressing a button. 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 the pans.

The controls are also simple to use and have a modern, minimalist design that is perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it cooked pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up once we placed a pan on the Booster zone. It took some time to cool down after we turned off the hob, and our testers could not determine the exact temperature on the control panel.

As well as having a Dual Zone and Push&Go feature, this Indesit hob also has a bridge function that allows you to combine two cooking zones to fit larger pans. It also comes with an overheating and child lock block, as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the hob working when it's overheated. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no visible flames. Our test subjects were pleased with that. Contrary to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke out of the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought that the duct on this hob and oven was easy to clean, though it took two people to lift the filter to change it.

4. Induction Hob manufactured by GE

Consider how the stove will work with the layout and design of your kitchen, as well as what your cooking style. For instance, if often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as automatic shut-off and cool to the touch surface can make an induction hob the best hobs uk choice. For those who are looking for speed and efficiency using a ceramic glass facia on an electric hob is the ideal option. Gas hobs are a great alternative for those living in areas that are susceptible to power outages.