How to Choose the Best Hob
When selecting the ideal hob to buy, there are many factors to consider. From cost to energy efficiency. Choose the features that are the most important.
A basic ceramic electric hob can cost just PS100. However you'll have to pay more for one with numerous features. Gas hobs are also a popular choice and provide great temperature control, however they are more expensive.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones and three "Push&Go" functions and can help you prepare quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking only four minutes. It comes with a child lock and pause function so you can stop the process quickly without having to mess with controls.
Its design is sleek, contemporary and blends well with modern kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and rest flush on the worktop.
The controls are intuitive to operate and we loved the clear display that tells the current power setting and which of the five zones are in use. The "Boost" feature generates powerful heat in a short time. It is perfect for stir-frying and rapidly bringing pans to boil. Safety features like the hot hob light or automatic shutdown are also useful.
It's not as responsive as the other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, in comparison to seven or six for other models. It takes longer to respond when you change the temperature of cooking, which means you might have to alter settings several times before the pan is at the right temperature.
This 60 cm model features four cooking zones. One of the zones is a half-flex, where two areas can easily be joined to accommodate larger pans or pots. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat and searing it, or making water come to a quick boil.
It's fully connected through the hOn app and comes with hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 special programmes split into different food categories and preparation types. It features a simple multislider interface as well as a lockable control panel. Additionally, it is able to automatically detect the type of pan you're using and set up the right cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn cookware from third parties and has various security features, including a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether you are renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have dropped in the last few years, with basic four-zone models starting at less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it is worth the extra cost.
This sleek model from Smeg boasts the latest induction tech to keep your cooking efficient and easy. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots that have a diameter of at least 9cm and automatically selects the zone that is appropriate.
Smeg's primary focus is on energy savings, but it doesn't ignore flexibility - this hob can be adjusted to conserve energy based on the highest temperatures that the zones can operate at. There are also options to save energy using the Eco-Logic advance mode, which reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 kW.
Testers were impressed by this hob's user-friendly interface with easy-to-use controls that move across the edge of the hob in order to follow the pan. The control panel's color-coded design makes it easy to identify the state of each zone. The "Flexi duo" function lets the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are a variety of useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting, boiling slow cooking, and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.
The hob also has a FlameSensor that can alert you in the event of a food item being burned or an igniting fire. There are several safety features such as a residual heat sensor as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface gets too hot.
It also has an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough staining and cooking get more info marks. This hob is easy to set up and has nine power levels and the handy FlexiDuo feature for catering for large pans. There are some additional features such as control locks, as well as a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pressing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Powered by electricity rather than gas, induction hobs make use of copper plates that create a magnetic field when the pan is set on the top. They can heat up much quicker than gas hobs, and they also use less energy since the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on the pan. They're generally less expensive than gas and are simpler to wipe clean too making them an extremely popular choice.
The induction hob made by Indesit is packed with features that make it easy to create your own ideas in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as an instant booster zone to quickly bring the water to a boil. For instance, the Push&Go lets you cook flawlessly at the touch a button. The controls are simple to use and let you select nine power modes, including a P boost setting that provides maximum power for each zone for five minutes.
The controls are also simple to use and have modern, minimalist designs that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it swiftly heated up a pan once we placed it on the Booster Zone and pasta water that was boiling. However, it took a long time to cool down after we turned off the hob. Our testers were unable to pinpoint the exact temperature on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also has a bridge function, which allows you to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It comes with a child lock as well as an overheating block. It also has an automatic switch-off feature that prevents the hob from operating when it becomes too hot. Our testers appreciated the fact that there were no visible flames or flammable substances and the ceramic glass is easy to clean. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw heat and smoke out of the pan and out of the room via an air duct on the surface. The duct on this hob was easy to clean, but it required two people to remove the filter.
4. GE Induction Hob
When selecting a kitchen appliance, consider how it fits to your kitchen's style and layout, and also your cooking style and your lifestyle. For instance, if frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as an automatic shut-off feature and a cool to the touch surface can make an induction cooker a better choice. If you value speed and efficiency, an electric hob with a clean ceramic glass facia is a great choice. Gas hobs are an excellent option for those who live in areas prone to power outages.