How to Choose the Best Hob
There are a lot of aspects to consider when choosing the ideal hob, ranging from the price to energy efficiency. So deciding what features are essential is vital.
A basic ceramic electric stove costs as little as PS100. However you'll need to pay more for a model with many features. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're also pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go" functions and can assist you in making quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking just four minutes. It has an child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to mess with controls.
Its design is sleek and modern, blending in well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made from glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit flush on the worktop.
The controls were simple to use and we loved the display which shows the current power level and the zone that is in use. The 'Boost' feature generates high-powered heat for a short duration, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pots of water to a boil quickly. The hob's hot light and automatic shutdown are useful security features, too.
However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs we tested. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, compared to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer for the pan to react when you change the temperature. You may have to adjust the settings several times to achieve the correct heat.
The model in 60 cm has four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two areas can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated with both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat while searing it or bring water to a fast boil.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and boasts hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 unique programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It features a simple multislider interface as well as a lockable' control panel, plus it will automatically recognize the type of pan you're using and set up the right cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn pan sets and has a range of safety features, such as the control panel that can be locked and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
If you're working on your kitchen or simply searching for a substitute to gas induction hobs, induction hobs are becoming more popular. Prices have dropped drastically in the last few years. The basic four-zone models are now sold for less than PS100. If you are looking for the most modern induction technology, it's worth the extra cost.
This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most advanced induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots that have dimensions of at least 9cm and then automatically activates the appropriate zone.
Smeg's focus on energy saving doesn't overlook flexibility either - this hob is designed to reduce power consumption by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones according to your cooking preferences. There are options to save energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 kW.
The user-friendly interface of this hob was a hit with testers, thanks to its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edges of it. The control panel's color-coded layout allows you to easily identify the state of each zone. The "Flexi duo" feature lets you connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are a variety of useful functions including four automatic cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.
The oven also comes with a FlameSensor that can alert you if there's a danger of a food item being burned or a fire. There are a variety of safety features, such as a residual heat indicator and an auto switch-off if the surface gets too hot.
It is also resistant to tough stains, and has a protective coating of CleanProtect. The hob is simple to install and comes with nine power levels, as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are several bonus features like control locks, as well as a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Powered by electricity rather than gas, induction hobs make use of copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is set on the top. This means they can heat up faster than gas hobs, and 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 here are also simpler to clean.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to allow you to get creative in the cooking. It has two cooking zones that can be combined to form a Dual Zone for larger pans and an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go lets you achieve perfectly cooked dishes by pressing the button. The controls are easy to use and allow you to choose nine power modes, including the P boost option that gives maximum power to each zone for five minutes.
The controls are simple to use and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it was able to boil pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up when we put an oven on the Booster zone. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and our testers were unable to determine the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also comes with the bridge function, which allows the user to combine two cooking zones for larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and overheating block and an auto switch-off system that shuts down the hob when it's too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there weren't any visible flames that were messy and messy, and the ceramic glass is easy to clean. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods, vented hobs draw steam and smoke out of the pan and out of the room through an air duct on the surface. Our experts thought that the duct on this hob was easy to clean, though it took two people to take the filter to change it.
4. GE Induction Hob
Consider how the stove will work with your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style is. Induction hobs are a great option if you cook with children or older people in mind. They come with safety features like automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. For those who prioritize efficiency and speed, an electric stove with a clean ceramic glass facia is a great choice. Gas hobs are an excellent alternative for those living in areas prone to power outages.