Guide To Best Hobs: The Intermediate Guide For Best Hobs
The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs are robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts recommend gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. But, electric models be more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. Look for features like a timer or power boost that let you boost the heat quickly to speed up cooking.
1. Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking zone like gas hobs, they use magnetic technology to warm up the copper coils below your pans. The cooktop remains cool to touch which makes it more secure to use and easier to clean. They can boil water faster than a kettle and use less power. The AEG premium model is a popular choice in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It features four cooking zones, each with its specific functions and an hour timer. It is smooth and is easy to clean and is easy to operate using the touch control panels. However, one minor issue (which is common for all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be patchy; however this is only really noticeable when stirring-frying.
The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive eco credentials; it has an A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of just 775 watts per cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you to move your pans between the four zones, and you can adjust the power levels to suit the size of your saucepans or pots. Additionally, the "Power booster" function boosts the output of the hob by 50% to speed up boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shut off function and an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your pan from overheating, which means you do not have to worry about burning food items.
This is a budget-friendly induction hob that can be easily hardwired and attached to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are marked with an arrow, cross or arrow to indicate the coil's centre. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pots and pans easily, and it's pre-programmed to have power levels that are set in the front and middle zones as well as the rear. This is great if you regularly cook with different sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought to the boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas ovens hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are still the best option for cooking in your kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces, frying eggs and pan-frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately generate high temperatures, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine each burner's status at glance. This is very helpful for security. With an electric hob, it's much harder to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was on.
Most models are also designed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can protect the Neff T27DS59N0 against splashes or spills. You'll need to be careful when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs can also be more energy efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up more quickly and evenly, saving on electricity costs. This is particularly true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances in one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This will save space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker appearance that will blend into any style of interior.
As a result of their effectiveness and kitchen remodeling their ease of use, a lot of homeowners opt for freestanding gas hobs rather than built-in versions. They are less difficult to install, and offer more flexibility when you want to achieve an elegant kitchen design.
A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to offer a renewable energy source. This is a great option if you want to go green. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you can consider this alternative. In addition, these models require a gas supply and ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.
3. Sealed Plate Hobs
Induction hobs are the best ovens choice if you're looking for a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. Hobs that induction cook pots and pans with electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surface remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they consume less electricity than electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to invest in kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a great option for those who don't want to invest in the Induction technology. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top and hidden heating elements. They are more visually appealing and easy to clean than solid plate hobs because they don't need hard scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when it regards energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy use this might not be the right choice for you.
Solid plate hobs are the best budget option, with a simple and sturdy design that's ideal for everyday cooking. They're easy to warm up, which makes them a great option for those who don't need a powerful cooktop. However, they may take a long time to cool. Solid plate hobs also release a lot of residual heat, making them not as energy-efficient like the other options on this list.
We suggest that you search for reviews on the websites of retailers if you are considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide you with a true insight into the performance of the product and will assist you in finding one that is right for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been praised by customers and is finished in long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls blend with other kitchen appliances with a sleek and contemporary appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a popular choice for many cooks thanks to their rapid heating and easy to control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking functions like power up settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.
When selecting an electric hob, look for one that is sleek with touch controls, and no buttons or dials hanging out. This makes them easier to clean, particularly when you select an even surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you're a smart home, go for digital displays that give you control of your hob remotely and also notifications via your smartphone, so you can control your hob with ease.
Think about a dual-fuel hob that has gas and induction burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. The FUJIOH FH-IC7020 hybrid cooktop includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer, which allows you to set cooking times for meals so they're ready for use when needed and reduces the risk of cooking too long and making food less tasty.
For added convenience, you may need a model that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one zone for pans of different sizes and shapes. This will save space and be useful when cooking with large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide additional cooking options.
Gas hobs are available in a range of prices, ranging from as low as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a major brand should still cost you less than PS200. And if you want a stylish glass model, it shouldn't cost much too, since there are fantastic options that are made by own brand. Remember that ceramic and induction hobs require a special supply with the right cables and breakers in order to function, so you will need to have it installed by an electrician.