How to Choose the Best Hob
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from the price to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is crucial.
A basic electric ceramic stove could cost as low as PS100 however, you'll have to spend more for a feature-packed model. Gas hobs, which are also popular and offer great temperature control, but are expensive, are another alternative.
1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob
This Haier hob has four cooking zones and three "Push&Go" functions and can aid in cooking quick meals. It was also one of the fastest tests to boil water, taking less than four minutes. It comes with an child lock and the ability to pause, which means you can stop the process in a snap without having to fiddle with controls.
Its design is sleek and modern it blends seamlessly with modern kitchens. It is usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit directly on the worktop.
The controls were easy to use, and we liked the display that displays the current power level and the zone that is active. The 'Boost' feature creates high-powered heat for a brief duration, and is ideal for stir-frying or bringing pots of water to a boil fast. The hob's hot light and auto shut-off are great security features, too.
It's not as responsive as the other hobs we tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, compared to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer for the pan to respond when you change the temperature. It is possible to adjust the settings multiple times before you get the proper temperature.
This model is 60cm long and includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex area where two zones can be joined to accommodate larger pots and pans. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. The Boost model is great for frying, searing meat or bringing water pans to the rapid boiling point.
It's fully connected via the hOn app and comes with hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 special programmes split into different food categories and types of preparation. It features a multislider controls panel that has a lockable interface' that detects the type pan you are using to set the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with third-party hOn sets and has a range of safety features, like an adjustable control panel that locks and boil-dry protection.
2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or are looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have slashed dramatically over the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available for less than PS100. If you want all the bells and whistles that are included in the induction system, it's worth paying extra for the latest innovations.
This slick-looking model from Smeg features the latest induction technology to make your cooking efficient and easy. The Auto-pot detection system recognises pots with dimensions of at least 9cm and automatically selects the appropriate zone.
Smeg's primary focus is on energy savings however, it doesn't overlook the flexibility of this appliance - it can be adjusted to save power based on the maximum temperatures that the zones can operate at. Eco-Logic advanced mode enables you to save more energy by reducing power output to as low as 2.4kW.
Testers were awed by the user-friendly interface of this hob that has intuitive controls that move along the edge of the hob in order to follow your pan. The control panel's color-coded layout allows you to easily identify the status of each zone. The 'Flexi Duo" feature lets the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful functions including four automatic cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.
The hob also has an alarm system that will notify you in the event of a burnt-on meal or a fire. There are other safety features, such as an indicator of residual heat and an auto switch-off if the surface becomes too hot.
It also has the CleanProtect coating that is designed to help it resist hard staining and cooking marks. This hob is easy to install and features nine power levels as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are a few bonus features like control locks, as well as a safety fuse to protect against accidental button pushing.
3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob
Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to create a magnetic force when a pot or pan is placed on them. They can heat up much quicker than gas hobs, and they use less energy because the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on your pan. They're generally less expensive than gas and are simpler to clean making them a popular option.
Indesit's induction stove is packed full of features to help you be creative when cooking. hobs and ovens Ovens And Hobs comes with two distinct zones that can be combined into a Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, and a rapid booster zone to quickly bring water to a boil. The Push&Go feature, for instance, lets you cook flawlessly at the touch a button. The controls are simple to use and allow you to choose nine power modes including a P boost setting that gives maximum power to each zone for five minutes.
The controls are also simple to use and have an elegant, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests it quickly heated up a pan after we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. However, it took an extended time to cool off after we shut off the hob and our testers were unable to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.
Alongside the Dual Zone and Push&Go feature, this Indesit hob also has a bridge function that lets you combine two cooking zones to fit larger pans. It has a child lock and an overheating block as well as an automatic shut-off mechanism that stops the hob from operating when it becomes too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no flames visible. Our test subjects were pleased with the fact that it's. Ventilated hobs in contrast to traditional extractors draw smoke and steam from the pan and out of the room by an air duct that is located on the surface. Our experts thought the duct on this hob was easy to clean, though it took two people to lift the filter out to change it.
4. Induction Hob by GE
When choosing a new hob, consider how it fits to your kitchen's style and layout, in addition to your cooking style and your lifestyle. Induction hobs are an excellent choice if you cook with kids or elderly in mind. They have safety features such as automatic shut-offs as well as a cool-to-touch surface. If you're looking for speed and efficiency using a ceramic glass facia on an electric hob is the best option. If you live in areas prone to load-shedding, the ability to use gas hobs in power outages could tip the scales in favour of gas models.