Watch Out: What Best Hobs Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
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The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of materials and sizes. The best hobs will be robust, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs due to their precise flame control and versatility. Electric models are more energy efficient and easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by utilizing features such as an energy boost or a timer.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a contemporary and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space as do gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to only warm up the copper coils below your pans. The cooktop is cool to the touch and is therefore safer to use and simpler to clean. They can boil water faster than a kettle and require less power. They're now a common kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh test kitchen and we are in love with this sleek, premium model from AEG which comes with four cooking zones, each with its own controlled functions as well as an efficient minute minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are easy to use. However the distribution of heat is patchy. This is a common issue for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with the lowest power consumption of 750 watts for each cooking zone. The 'Flux Zone' feature allows you to move your pans between the four zones and adjust the power levels in accordance with your pots or saucepans. Additionally, the "Power boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up the boiling process. Other handy features include an auto-shut off function as well as a 'fryingSensor' that prevents your pan from overheating, so you never need to worry about burning food.
This is a budget-friendly induction hob that is easily wired and fitted to a new or existing worktop. The independently controlled cooking zones are clearly marked with an arrow or cross to indicate where the centre of the coil lies beneath, while there's an easy-to-use touch-control panel. It has an enormous 'Flux Zone' which can hold larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed with preset power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is great if you often cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought to a boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are the best option for cooking in your kitchen. They are the best for boiling water as well as simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them as well as pan-frying. Their popularity stems from their ability to produce high levels of heat quickly and precisely, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
Their visual flame indication also allows users to check the status of every burner in one glance, which is useful for security reasons. With an electric hob, it's less likely to switch off a burner or forget that it was turned on.
Most models have a flat surface that makes them more manageable than their ceramic counterparts. There is no material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 against splashes or spills. You'll need to be vigilant in cleaning to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more efficient in energy than their induction counterparts since they heat up more quickly and more evenly, reducing energy costs. This is particularly true with vented hobs that combine two appliances into one and eliminate the need for an hood. This will save space in your kitchen, and create a sleeker look that will blend into any style of interior.
As a result of their efficiency and ease of use, many homeowners opt for gas hobs that are freestanding rather than built-in versions. They're more straightforward to install and offer greater flexibility if you're trying to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
A freestanding model is connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option if you want to go green. You'll need to locate an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you can look into this alternative. These models require gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are the best option if you want a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pots and pans directly and the flat glass-ceramic surface of the hob remains cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental fire!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient because they consume less energy than electrical or gas counterparts. However, the disadvantage of induction hobs is that they are expensive to purchase. In addition, you'll have to purchase a set of induction-compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for those who do not want to invest in the technology of induction. These stylish and sleek hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic finish with heating elements concealed beneath that make them more attractive than solid plate hobs. They're also easier to clean, as there's no need to do tricky scrubbing. They also get hot faster than solid plate hobs and are more flexible to your cooking needs. They don't have the same efficiency as induction hobs. Therefore, they are not a good choice if you are worried about your energy consumption.
Solid plate hobs, which are a affordable option, with their simple and reliable design, are ideal for everyday cooking. They're quick to warm up, which makes them a great choice for those who don't need a powerful cooktop. However, they can take a long time to cool down. Solid plate hobs are also not as efficient in energy as other alternatives.
If you're considering a solid plate hob, we recommend selecting one that's been reviewed by customers on retailer websites. This will not only provide you with an honest assessment of the performance of the model however, it will also aid you in locating the one that is suitable for your home. Customers have rated this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it is finished in sturdy stainless steel. The black controls blend in with other kitchen appliances with a sleek and modern look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the benefit of being energy-efficient. Although gas hobs might be the preferred choice of many chefs due to their instant heating and control, they are also popular because they are quick to heat. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves come with advanced cooking functions like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.
When choosing an electric hob, look for one that's streamlined with touch controls, and no dials or buttons hanging out. This makes them less difficult to clean, particularly if you opt for flat surfaces that don't chip or scratch. To ensure safety, select a model with child locks with hot indicators, as well as residual heat shut-offs that will stop accidents. If you have a smart Best ovens UK home, you might opt for an electronic display that allows you to control your stove remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For maximum flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob with gas burners and induction. The FUJIOH FH-IC7020 hybrid cooktop comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones as well as hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set cooking times to ensure that your food is cooked when you need it. This minimizes the chance of overcooking, and makes your food less flavorful.
Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want an appliance that allows you to combine two cooking zones into a single zone to accommodate pans of various sizes and shapes. This can help save space and can be beneficial when cooking with large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide extra cooking options.
There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs that start at PS100 and higher-end models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a reputable brand should cost less than PS200. If you'd prefer a glass model, there are many excellent alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the correct cables and breakers in order to function, which means you will need to have it installed by an electrician.