Why We Our Love For Best Hobs (And You Should Also!)

The Best Hobs

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

Our experts prefer gas hobs because of their precise flame control and flexibility. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features such as power boosts and a timer.

1. Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space like gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to heat the copper coils that are below your pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the surface, making them more secure to use and easier to clean. They can boil water faster than kettles and require less energy. They're now a standard appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen and we love this sleek, premium model by AEG that comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions and an efficient minute reminder. It has a smooth surface that is easy to clean and is easy to use using the touch control panels, but one small issue (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat can be patchy; however this is only really noticeable when stirring-frying.

The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco ratings. It is a A+ rating for energy efficiency with the lowest power consumption of just 775 watts per cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows you to move your pans around within the four zones and adjust the power levels to fit your pots or pans and the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% to ensure speedy boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shutoff function and an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your pan from overheating, so you never need to worry about burning food.

This is an induction cooktop with a low price tag that can be wired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones that are independently controlled are clearly identified by a ring or cross to indicate which side of the coil is beneath and there's an easy-to-use control panel. It features large "Flux Zone" that can accommodate larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed with pre-set power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with different sizes or shaped pans, which need to be brought to the boiling point, simmered and then kept warm simultaneously.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) is still the best when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are ideal for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups as well as for frying eggs and meats as well as pan-frying. Their popularity stems from their ability to create high levels of heat quickly and precisely, which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.

Their visual flame indication also makes it easy to check the status of every burner in one glance, which is helpful for safety reasons. It's a lot harder to forget about leaving a burner on, or switch it on by accident, than it is with an electric hob.

The majority of models are also constructed with a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to clean than ceramic counterparts. However, it appears that there's nothing that can keep out spills and splashes completely, so you'll have to be vigilant about cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts since they are able to heat faster and more evenly, which reduces energy costs. This is especially true for vented stoves, which incorporate the two appliances into one and eliminate the need for a vent hood. This can free up space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker appearance that will blend into any style of interior.

Many homeowners prefer gas hobs that are freestanding over built-in models because of their efficiency and ease-of-use. They are simpler to set up and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve an elegant kitchen design.

A freestanding model is connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is an excellent option if you are looking to go green. However, you'll need to find an appropriate LPG stove and boiler before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.

3. Sealed Plate Hobs

If you're seeking an elegant and energy-efficient choice, an induction hob is definitely the option to choose. These hobs cook pots and pans with electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burning!) and more efficient as they use less power than their electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase induction-compatible cookware.

For those who don't want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs are smooth, glass-ceramic finish with heating elements concealed beneath which makes them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs and easier to clean as there's no need for a tricky scouring. They also are more efficient at heating than solid plate hobs and are more flexible to your cooking needs. However, they fall behind induction hobs when it comes to energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy use this may not be the best choice for you.

Solid plate hobs are the budget option, with a simple and durable design that is perfect for everyday cooking. They're quick to warm up, which makes them a great option for those who don't need a powerful cooktop. However, they may take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs are not as efficient in energy as other options.

If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we suggest looking for one that has been rated by customers on retailer websites. This will not only provide an accurate view of the performance of the product and will aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. Customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's made of sturdy stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it a modern and minimal look.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are the preferred option for cooks due to their rapid heat and simple control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer sophisticated cooking functions, such as power boost settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.

When you're choosing an electric stove make sure you choose one that's streamlined with touch controls, and no buttons or dials hanging out. This makes them easier to clean, especially if you opt for an even surface that doesn't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to prevent accidents. If  hop over to this website  have an intelligent home, opt for a digital display that gives you a remote control and alerts via your smartphone, so you can manage your stove easily.

Consider a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners for maximum flexibility. The FH-IC7020 from FUJIOH has both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones, and durable cast iron pan supports that allow traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set certain cooking times to ensure that food is ready when you require it. This reduces the risk of overcooking, and makes your food less tasty.

Additionally, for greater convenience, you might want a model that permits you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone for pans of different dimensions and shapes. This will save space and is ideal when cooking with large rectangular cooking dishes like roasting pans. Some hobs also offer the option of adding induction plates or grills to offer additional cooking options.

Gas hobs are available in a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a big brand should still cost you no more than PS200. If you prefer glass there are plenty of great alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. However, bear in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply that is plugged in with the correct cables and breakers to work so you'll need it installed by a qualified electrician.