The
best oven Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hobs will be durable, stylish and simple to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. However, electric hobs can be more efficient in energy use and are also easier to clean. Look for features like a timer and power boost that allow you to increase the heat quickly to increase the speed of cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a modern and efficient alternative to traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking space as gas hobs do, they employ magnet technology to heat the copper coils underneath your pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch, making them safer to use and easier to clean. They can boil water faster than a kettle and use less power. They're now a common kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh test kitchen, and we are in love with this elegant, premium model from AEG which comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are simple to use. However the distribution of heat is patchy. This is a frequent complaint with all induction hobs.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with the lowest power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows the pans to be moved around within the four zones and adjust the power levels to match your pans or pots and the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% for speedy boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shutoff function and an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your cooking pan from overheating which means you do not need to worry about burning food items.
This is a great low-cost induction hob that is easily wired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are marked with the ring or cross to indicate the coil's centre. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots effortlessly, and it's pre-programmed to have power levels set in the front, middle and rear zones. This is great if you regularly cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans, which need to be brought up to boiling point, then simmered and kept warm simultaneously.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) still reigns supreme in cooking in the kitchen. They are ideal for boiling water simmering soups and sauces as well as for frying eggs and meats, and pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to quickly and accurately generate high heat levels which makes them ideal for searing and boiling.
The visual flame indicator allows you to see the status of each burner in a glance, which is useful for security reasons. It's much more difficult to forget to leave a burner on, or even switch it off by accident when compared to an electric hob.
The majority of models are also constructed with a flat surface which makes them less difficult to clean than ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll have to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction counterparts as they are able to heat faster and more evenly, thus reducing the cost of electricity. This is particularly true with vented hobs, which combine two appliances into one and eliminate the requirement for an hood. This will save space in your kitchen and create an elegant look that can blend into any interior style.
As a result of their efficiency and their ease of use, a lot of home owners prefer to go for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. They are simpler to install, and offer more flexibility when you are looking to achieve a an elegant
kitchen design.
A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to offer a renewable energy source. This is a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. However, you'll need be able to find a suitable LPG boiler and stove before this becomes an option for you. These models require a gas supply as well as ventilation and regular maintenance to ensure that there aren't any leaks.
3. Sealed Plate Hobs
Induction hobs are the
best oven option for those who want a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. They use electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly while the ceramic-ceramic glass surface remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient, as they use less electricity than their electric or gas counterparts. However, one disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. You'll need to invest in a set of induction-compatible cookware.
For those who don't want to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs are a great middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs are made of a smooth glass top that conceals heating elements. They are more visually pleasing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, as they don't require a difficult scouring. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they are behind induction hobs when regards energy efficiency, so if you're conscious of your energy usage this might not be the
best oven choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, the budget option with their simple and sturdy design, are great for cooking in the everyday. They're quick to heat up, making them a good choice for those who don't require a large cooktop. However, they do take a long time to cool. Solid plate hobs are not as energy efficient as other alternatives.
If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we suggest choosing one that has been reviewed by customers on retailers websites. This will not only give you an honest assessment of the performance of the model, but will also aid you in locating the right one for your home. Customers have rated this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it's made of durable stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other appliances in the kitchen, giving it a minimal and modern look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks thanks to their quick heat and simple control, electric hobs have the advantage of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking features like power boost settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.
When choosing an electric hob make sure you choose one that is sleek with touch controls, and no dials or buttons sticking out. This makes them easier to clean, particularly if you opt for flat surfaces that don't chip or scratch. For security, opt for a model with child locks as well as hot indicators and heat shut-offs that can help prevent accidents. If you're an intelligent home, opt for an electronic display that gives you control of your hob remotely and also notifications via your smartphone, ensuring you can control your hob effortlessly.
Consider a dual-fuel hob which has gas and induction burners for ultimate flexibility. The FUJIOH FH-IC7020 hybrid cooktop has both, with intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones as well as durable cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set cooking times to ensure that your food is ready at the time you require it. This helps reduce the risk of cooking too long, and can make your food less flavorful.