The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hobs will be robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs because of their precise flame control and flexibility. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by using features such as an energy boost or a timer.
1. Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a contemporary and efficient alternative to traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do, they use magnet technology to only heat the copper coils beneath the pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the point of contact which makes them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and consume less energy. They are now a staple appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen and we are in love with this elegant, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions as well as an efficient minute reminder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are easy to use. However the distribution of heat is uneven. This is a frequent complaint with all induction stoves.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years and impressive eco credentials. It comes with an A+ energy rating with the lowest power consumption of 750 watts for each cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows the pans to be moved around in the four zones and alter the power levels to match the pans or pots you use, while the 'Power Boost function boosts the output by 50% to ensure rapid boiling. The auto-shutoff function and the 'fryingSensor,' which helps to prevent overheating of your pan, are also useful features.
This is a great affordable induction cooker that is easily wired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with the ring, cross or arrow to indicate the center of the coil. There's also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It features a large "Flux zone" that can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease, and it's pre-programmed to have set power levels in the front and back zones. This is a great choice for cooking using a variety of pans, all different shapes and sizes that need to be heated up and simmered at the same time, and kept warm.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop for those who are American) remains the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen cooking. They're the ideal choice for boiling water simmering sauces and soups as well as pan-frying eggs and frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately generate high temperatures which makes them ideal for searing and boiling.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at glance. This is very helpful to ensure security. It's much harder to forget to leave the burner on, or even switch it off accidentally, than 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. However, it appears that there's no material that can keep out spills and splashes completely, so you'll need to keep on top of cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction cousins because they heat up more quickly and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances and eliminate the requirement for an grill. This can help save the space in your kitchen and also create an elegant and modern design that will blend in with any style of interior.
Because of their efficiency and convenience, many homeowners opt for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. These can be simpler to install and offer more flexibility if you're looking to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
A freestanding model is connected to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option if you are looking to go green. However, you'll need find an appropriate LPG boiler and stove before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there aren't any leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
If you're looking for an elegant and energy-efficient choice an induction
hob uk is the best choice. These hobs are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient since they consume less energy than electrical or gas counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll have to purchase an induction-compatible set of cookware.
For those who don't want to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs are a great middle ground. These sleek and stylish
hobs uk are made of a smooth glass top with hidden heating elements. They're more visually pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs since they don't require difficult scouring. They also get hot faster than solid plate hobs and are more responsive to your cooking needs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when comes to energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy usage this might not be the
best ovens and hobs choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, which are a low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are perfect for cooking at home. They are easy to heat up, making them a good choice for those who do not require a large cooktop. However, they can take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also give off lots of heat, so they're not as efficient in energy use like the other options on this list.
If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we suggest choosing one that has been reviewed by customers on retailer websites. This will not only provide you with an honest assessment of the performance of the product, but will also help you find the one that is suitable for
Baking Essentials your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys is highly rated by customers and is finished with durable stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks thanks to their rapid heating and easy to control, electric models have the advantage of being more energy-efficient. Also, with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, including power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a fantastic option for busy households.
Find an electric hob that has a streamlined design with touchscreen controls. Avoid models with dials or buttons that protrude. This makes them easy to clean, particularly when you select flat surfaces that don't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to prevent accidents. And, if you have a smart home, go for a digital display that gives you a remote control and alerts via your smartphone, so you can control your hob effortlessly.
Consider a dual-fuel hob that has gas and induction burners for maximum flexibility. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones as well as durable cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking.