The Best Hobs

Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable, stylish and easy to clean.

Our experts recommend gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. Electric models are more energy efficient and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features like power boosts and a timer.

1. Hobs Induction

Induction hobs provide a contemporary efficient and effective alternative to traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as do gas hobs they employ magnetic technology to heat up the copper coils below your pans. The cooktop is cool to the touch, making it safer to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a common appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen, and we appreciate this elegant, premium model from AEG which boasts four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions as well as an easy-to-use minute timer. It is smooth and can be cleaned easily and is easy to use using the touch control panels, but one minor issue (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the heat distribution can be patchy; however this is only really noticeable when trying to stir-fry.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive eco credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with the lowest power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets you to move your pans between the four zones, and you can adjust the power levels according to your pots or saucepans. 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, as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents your pan from overheating, which means you do not need to worry about burning food.

This is a great low-cost induction hob that can be easily hardwired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified with a ring, cross or arrow to indicate the center of the coil. There is also a touch-control panel. It comes with large "Flux Zone" that can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. It's also pre-programmed with pre-set power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is an excellent option if you cook with a variety of pans, all different shapes and sizes that need to be heated up, simmered at the same while being kept warm.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) still reigns supreme when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. They are the best hobs uk for boiling water as well as simmering soups and sauces, frying meats and eggs and pan-frying. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately produce high temperatures, making them perfect for boiling and searing.

The visual flame indicator allows you to see the status of each burner at an instant. This is very helpful to ensure safety. It's much harder to forget about leaving a burner on, or even switch it off accidentally when compared to an electric hob.

Most models are also designed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than ceramic counterparts. There is no material that will protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll have to be careful when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up more quickly and evenly, saving on energy costs. This is particularly the case with vented hobs, which combine two appliances into one and eliminate the need for a Hood. This can save space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker look that will blend into any style of interior.

Because of their effectiveness and ease of use, many home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that stand on their own instead of built-in models. These are easier to set up and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve minimalist kitchen designs.

A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a different source of energy. This is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. However, you'll need be able to locate the right LPG boiler and stove before this becomes an option for you. These models require gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.

3. Hobs for Sealed Plates

If you're looking for an energy-efficient and sleek option an induction cooker is definitely the choice. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat glass-ceramic surface of the hob stays cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burning!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they use less energy than electrical or gas counterparts. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to buy induction-compatible cookware.

If you don't want to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs are smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements that are hidden beneath that make them more attractive than solid plate hobs and easier to clean since there's no need for complicated scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don't have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs. Therefore, they may not be a good choice if you are concerned about your energy usage.

Then, solid plate hobs are the budget option, with a straightforward and sturdy design that's ideal for everyday cooking. They're quick to heat up, making them a good option for those who do not require a large cooktop. However, they do take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs are also not as efficient in energy as other alternatives.

If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we recommend choosing one that has been reviewed by customers on the websites of retailers. This will not only give you an accurate view of the quality of the product and will assist you in finding the right one for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it's made of robust stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it sleek and modern appearance.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks thanks to their instant heating and easy to control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have sophisticated cooking functions, such as power up settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.

When you're choosing an electric stove, look for one that is sleek with touch controls and no buttons or dials that stick out. This makes them less difficult to clean, especially when you select flat surfaces that don't chip or scratch. For security, opt for a model with child locks with hot indicators, as well as residual heat shut-offs that will help prevent accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, you may prefer a digital display that lets you control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.

Think about a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners for ultimate flexibility. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove has both, with intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and durable cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. It also has a timer feature, which lets you set specific cooking times for meals so they're ready for use when needed which reduces the chance of overcooking and making food less delicious.

For added convenience, you might want a model that permits you to combine two cooking zones into one larger zone for pans of varying dimensions and shapes. This can help save space and is beneficial for those who cook frequently with large rectangular cooking dishes like roasting pans. In addition, some hobs oven come with the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills for extra cooking options.

There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs that start at PS100 and more expensive models that cost upwards of PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a major brand should cost less than PS200. If you'd prefer a glass model there are plenty of great options from own-brand manufacturers. Be aware that ceramic and induction hobs require special supplies with the correct cables and breakers in order to function, so you'll need it installed by an electrician.