Best Hob: A Simple Definition
Choosing the Best Hob The best hob for you is determined by the type of worktop and the space available. Choosing the right hob also is dependent on the type of worktop you have as well as the location of your extractor hood. A basic gas-on-glass hob costs less than PS100 when you choose an exclusive model. They're easier to clean and come with a range of safety features like an indicator in red that lights when the surface is heated. 1. Flexibility If you're looking to whip an easy midweek meal or master your pancake making technique, a movable hob is key. The best hobs provide precise heat control with features like dual wok burners as well as an expansive cooking area which makes them perfect for a variety of recipes. These hobs can be utilized in any kitchen, thanks to their sleek design and easy to clean surfaces. Many come with an option to include an extractor fan built-in to eliminate the requirement for separate overhead appliances and freeing space for your workspace. Gas hobs provide instant warmth, so it's not a surprise that they're an extremely popular choice. They do require periodic cleaning to ensure that you aren't at risk of carbon build-up in your hob or a fire bursting out. They also take longer to heat water than induction models. Induction hobs heat the pan itself rather than the surface of the cooker They are, therefore, easier to keep clean. They are more expensive and their glossy surfaces are more likely to display scratches and fingerprints. Hybrid hobs blend gas and induction cooking into one product. You can switch between the two modes depending on what you're cooking. They are perfect for those looking to test their culinary abilities, but aren't looking to invest in a new kitchen. This electric hob is a great example of a model that is flexible in style and functionality. Its dual flex zone can be joined together to accommodate larger pots and pans, while its controls have a child lock feature which prevents children from altering the settings. And it's also designed to be connected to a smart hub which allows you to control its features from your smartphone. If you're looking for a high-spec induction hob that can connect to the Wi-Fi network in your home then look no further than this one from Smeg. It's loaded with features that help cook faster and more efficiently such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost and the ability to set a timer as well as the ability to pause. It's also simple to use thanks to touchscreen controls that react immediately to any changes you make and an elegant, modern design. 2. Energy efficiency The most efficient hobs are those that use the minimal amount of energy whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also an excellent choice for those who wish to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to heat the pan directly, preventing the glass from becoming hot. Induction hobs are the most secure choice, as they prevent accidental burns. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they can be less expensive to run than electric ones. The Miele I-Flex induction hob is our top choice. It offers a lot of flexibility because of the 'I Flex zone. It allows you to merge two cooking zones into one large area, making it possible to use larger pots and pans. Its touch controls come with an option for children to lock the controls so that children can't switch off the stove or alter the settings, which is a good feature for households with small children. Even though the ceramic glass has a matte finish it's easy to clean with just a wipe. Another amazing feature of this hob is its “Pan detection” function, which automatically turns off the heating zone when you remove your pan. This is not the only hob to have this feature, but it's a great addition to make your life easier for those who cook for an entire family or group of friends. This is a smart kitchen appliance that connects to internet so that you can control it via an app on your tablet or smartphone. It can even alert you when food is ready, so that you do not overcook it. It took just four minutes to boil our test pan of water using this model, which is a lot for an induction stove. It has flexible cooking zones that can be combined and a 'Stop & Go' button that reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting, so it's simple to turn off. This small induction hob is ideal for camping trips and for trips to the university. It's the tiniest and lightest hob we've tested however it still comes with a full set of cooking options and a responsive touch slider. It also comes with a built-in 'VaryCook' function that lets you vary the temperature by moving the pan upwards and downwards on the surface of the hob. This is ideal to make caramel or sauces. 3. Convenience When choosing a new hob you should think about how it fits with your kitchen design and what it will do to enhance the utility of your home. This will help narrow down your choices to help you select a model that's ideal for your family as well as your home. It's important to read reviews and see what other people have to say about the appliance, since it will help you identify its strengths and weaknesses better. Some hob brands are renowned for their smart technology, making them the go-to option for those who wish to control cooking with their smartphone. For instance, Samsung's models feature electronic timers that allow you to determine precise cooking times and stop overcooking. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy lifestyles because you can use the timer to ensure that meals are prepared on time, without having to keep an eye on them. Gas hobs can also be an ideal option for those seeking more traditional appearance. They can be used to cook with a broad range of cookware sizes and styles. It is possible to use non-flat bottomed cookware and saucepans on gas stoves. Additionally, gas hobs typically offer a range of settings, so you can alter the heat to fit the pan you are using or your recipe. Induction hobs are another popular option for those looking to modernize their kitchen since they have faster heat-up times and are more efficient than gas models. Hobs that have built-in ovens are particularly popular since they can reduce space by combining the oven and hob into one unit. Another feature to look out for is a child lock which allows you to block the controls of a hob and protect children from accidental accidents in the kitchen. This is particularly important for families with young children, as it will help prevent burns and other injuries. Additionally some induction hobs come with a function that lets you connect two zones to create a larger cooking area This can be helpful in the event that you're using large pots. 4. Safety A high-quality hob will come with many safety features. A hot hob indicator can alert you when the surface of the hob is hot. This can help prevent accidents in the cooking area. Some hobs will also have a child lock that will prevent children from turning the hob on or altering its settings. Some will have a function that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone, allowing you to cook a larger size pan. This is an excellent feature for families, and can keep everyone in the kitchen secure. It operates by monitoring the temperature of the stove and if it senses that the pan isn't placed properly or there's an occurrence of fire it will shut down the burner immediately. This is a fantastic way to ensure that your home is secure and is something you should look for when shopping for. You can select between electric, gas and induction hobs. Gas hobs utilize a flame for heating your pans. Electric hobs feature electronic rings that you can control by pressing the button. Induction hobs utilize an electric field to heat your pans. They won't work without a magnetizable pan placed on them. This is a highly efficient hob and it will cool down quickly once the pan has been removed. This type of hob is an efficient space-saver since it removes the need for an extractor fan, so you can have a minimalist kitchen design. It is more expensive than other types of hobs however it is an excellent option for any household. It can also be used to remove excess steam and smoke from the kitchen, which can help improve the air quality of your home. This is a fantastic choice for families, as it is easy to clean and protects against burns. There are many options to consider when choosing the right hob, so make sure you take the time to research every one before making your choice.