How to Choose the Best Hob

There are lots of factors to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from the price to energy efficiency. Determine which features are the most important.

A basic ceramic electric stove costs as little as PS100. However you'll have to pay more for a model with numerous features. Gas hobs, also well-known and offer excellent temperature control but are more expensive, are another alternative.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions and can help you prepare quick meals. It was also one of the fastest tests to boil water, which took just under four minutes. It comes with a child lock and pause function so you can stop the process swiftly without having to mess with controls.

Its style is sleek and modern and is a great match for contemporary kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive, and they sit flush on the worktop.

The controls were easy to operate and we loved the display that shows the current power level and the zone that is in use. The 'Boost" feature produces high-powered heat in a short time. It's ideal for stir-frying and rapidly boiling pans. Safety features like the hob light that is hot and automatic shutoff are useful.

However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, as opposed to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer for the pan to react when you alter the temperature. You may have to adjust the settings several times to achieve the correct heat.

This 60 cm model includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone where two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans. The dual-ring design allows it to operate on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost is ideal for cooking meat while searing it or bringing water to a rapid boil.

It's fully integrated with the hOn app and boasts 100's of recipes with guided cooking and 30 unique programs that are divided into various food categories and preparation styles. It features a multislider controls panel that has a lockable interface' that detects the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with third-party hOn sets and comes with a variety of security features, including the control panel that can be locked and boil-dry protection.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

If you're working in your kitchen, or seeking a better alternative to gas induction hobs, they are becoming more popular. Prices have slashed in the last few years, with basic four-zone models costing less than PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth the extra cost for the latest innovations.

This sleek model from Smeg has the latest induction technology to make cooking more efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots with a diameter of at least 9cm and then automatically activates the appropriate zone.

Smeg's emphasis on energy efficiency doesn't overlook flexibility either The hob is built to reduce power consumption by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to meet your cooking requirements. There are options to save energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode that reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as low as 2.4 4 kW.

The user-friendly interface of this stove was a hit with testers, thanks to its easy-to-use sliding controls that follow your pan's contours along the edge of it. The control panel's color-coded layout allows you to easily identify the state of each zone. The "Flexi Duo" function allows the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, including four cooking presets for automatic cooking (melting boiling slow cooking, keeping warm) and a Power Boost to get results that are quick and efficient.

Additionally, the hob has a 'FlameSensor' that warns you of any risk of fire or food that has been burned. There are several safety features, including the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic switch-off when the surface becomes too hot.

It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to help it resist tough staining and cooking marks. This hob has nine power levels, the FlexiDuo feature to allow for large pans, and is easy to put in. There are a few bonus features like control locks, as well as an emergency fuse to stop accidental pressing of buttons.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction hobs make use of copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is placed on top. This means that they can heat up more quickly than gas hobs, and can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking area only heats up when you turn on the pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas, and they are also easier to clean.

This induction hob from Indesit is packed full of features that allow you to be creative in the kitchen. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to form the Dual Zone for larger pots and the Booster Zone is quick to bring water to a 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 let you select nine power modes, including a P boost setting that gives maximum power to each zone for five minutes.

The controls are also easy to operate and feature modern, minimalist designs that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and quickly heated up once we placed a pan on the Booster zone. It took a while to cool down after turning off the hob, and the testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.

This Indesit hob also has ovens uk the bridge function, which allows you to connect two cooking zones for larger pans. It also has a child lock, an overheating block and an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents the hob from working when it gets too hot. The ceramic glass is simple to clean and there are no visible flames. Our test subjects were pleased with that. Contrary to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw heat and smoke away from the pan and out of the room through an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought that the duct of this hob was simple to clean, even though it required two people to take the filter to change it.

4. GE Induction Hob

Think about how the hob can be able to fit into your kitchen's layout and design, as well as the style of cooking you prefer. Induction hobs are a good choice if you cook with children or older people in mind. They come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool to touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency an electric hob that has a clean ceramic glass facia is the best choice. Gas hobs are an excellent alternative for those living in areas that are susceptible to power outages.