How to Choose the Best Hob
When selecting the ideal hob for your needs, there are many factors to take into account. From cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding which features are essential is vital.
A basic ceramic electric hob can cost just PS100. However, you will need to pay more for a model that comes with numerous features. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're pricier.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
With four cooking zones and three 'Push&Go' functions this stove from Haier can assist you in making quick meals. It was also one of the fastest tested to boil water, which took just under four minutes. It's child-safe and comes with a pause function, so you can quickly stop the process without having to mess around with the controls.
Its style is sleek and contemporary it blends seamlessly with modern kitchens. It's typically made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and has controls that are flush with the worktop for easy use.
The controls were easy to operate and we appreciated the display which shows the current power level and which zone is active. The "Boost" feature generates high-powered heat in a short time. It's ideal for stir-frying and rapidly bringing pans to boil. Safety features such as the light on the hot hob and automatic shutoff are beneficial.
It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. We observed that it took nine presses on the control to achieve the highest temperature, compared with six or seven on other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings multiple times before your pan is at the right temperature.
The model in 60 cm comes with four cooking zones including a half-flex area where two areas can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated with both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat while searing it or making water come to a quick boil.
It is fully connected to the hOn App, and offers 100's of recipes, guided cooking, and 30 unique programs that are divided into different food categories and types of cooking. It comes with a multislider control panel with a "lockable interface' that detects the type pan you are using to set the correct cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn pans made by third parties and has a number of security features, including a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a non-gas option. Prices have slashed in the last few years, with the simplest four-zone models starting at less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a little more.
This slick-looking model from Smeg features the latest induction technology to make your cooking energy-efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with minimum diameters of 9cm, allowing you to switch on the appropriate zone without having to manually select it.
Smeg's focus is on energy efficiency however, it doesn't overlook flexibility - this hob can be adjusted to save energy based on the highest temperatures of the zones. There are other options to save energy using the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 kW.
Testers were impressed with the hob's user-friendly design, with intuitive sliding controls that move along the edges of the hob in order to follow your pan. The control panel's colour-coded scheme 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 numerous useful functions including four automatic cooking presets: melting, boiling, slow-cooking, and keeping warm.
The oven also comes with a FlameSensor which will alert you when there's a risk of a meal that's been burned or an igniting fire. There are a variety of safety features such as the residual heat website sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface gets too hot.
It also resists tough stains and features a protective coating of CleanProtect. This model has nine power levels, an 'FlexiDuo feature' that is perfect for accommodating large pans and is simple to set up. There are also a variety of bonus features, like control locks and an emergency fuse in the event of accidental button-pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction stoves utilize copper plates that create an electric field when a pan is placed on the top. This means that they can reach temperatures faster than gas hobs and also save energy as the cooking zone only is heated when you turn on a pan. They're generally less expensive than gas and are easier to clean, which makes them a popular choice.
Indesit's induction hob is full of features that will allow you to get creative in the cooking. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to create the Dual Zone for larger pots and the Booster Zone is quick that can bring water to boil quickly. For instance, the Push&Go allows you to cook perfectly with the click of one button. The controls are simple to use and allow you to select nine power modes including the P boost option that gives maximum power for each zone for five minutes.
The controls are also easy to use and have a modern, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it was able to boil pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up after placing an oven in the Booster zone. However, it took an extended time to cool down once we shut off the hob and our testers were unable to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.
This Indesit hob also features the bridge function, which allows you to connect 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 working if it gets too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there weren't any visible flames that were messy and messy, and the ceramic glass was easy to wipe clean. Unlike a traditional extractor hood, vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. The vent on this hob was easy to clean, however it required two people to remove the filter.
4. GE Induction Hob
When choosing a new hob take a look at how it fits into your kitchen's design and layout, as well as your cooking style and lifestyle. For example, if you frequently cook with children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as an automatic shut-off feature and cool to the touch surface may make an induction hob an ideal option. For those who value speed and efficiency, an electric stove with a wipe-clean ceramic glass fascia is ideal. Gas hobs are a great choice for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.