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The Best Hobs Awards: The Best, Worst And Strangest Things We’ve Ever Seen

The Best Hobs

Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable and stylish, as well as easy to clean.

Our experts recommend gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. However, electric models can provide superior energy efficiency and are also easier to keep clean. You can accelerate the cooking process by using features like a power boost and a timer.

1. Hobs Induction

Induction hobs provide a contemporary efficient alternative to traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space like gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to warm the copper coils that are below your pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch and is therefore safer to use and simpler to clean. They also cook faster than a traditional kettle and use less energy. The AEG premium model is a favourite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It comes with four cooking zones, each with its specific functions and an hour timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are simple to use. However the heat distribution is patchy. This is a common complaint with all induction hobs.

The AEG induction cooker comes with a warranty of five years and impressive eco credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with a low power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The ‘Flux zone’ feature allows you to move your pans around within the four zones and adjust their power levels to suit your pans or pots and the ‘Power Boost feature boosts the output by 50% for speedy boiling. Other useful features include an auto-shut off function and an ‘fryingSensor’ to prevent your pan from overheating, so you never need to worry about burning food items.

This is a fantastic affordable induction cooker that can be easily hardwired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The independently controlled cooking zones are clearly identified with an arrow or cross to show where the center of the coil is beneath, while there’s a simple touch-control panel. It has a wide “Flux zone” that can accommodate larger pots and pans with ease and is pre-programmed so that you have power levels set in the front and back zones. This is a great option for cooking with a variety pans of various shapes and sizes that need to be heated up and simmered at the exact while being kept warm.

2. Gas Hobs

A gas hob (or gas cooktop, for those who are American) remains the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are the best choice for boiling water simmering sauces and soups cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately create high temperatures making them ideal for boiling and searing.

The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine each burner’s status at an instant. This is very useful to ensure safety. It’s a lot harder to forget to leave a burner on, or even switch it on by accident as it is with an electric hob.

Most models have a flat surface that makes them less difficult to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. However, it’s apparent that there’s no material that could keep out spills and splashes completely, so you’ll need to be on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time.

Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their counterparts induction, since they heat up more quickly and evenly, saving on electricity costs. This is especially true with vented hobs that combine two appliances into one and eliminate the requirement for the hood. This can save space in your kitchen and create a sleeker appearance that will fit in with any interior style.

Many homeowners prefer gas hobs with freestanding design over built-in models because of their efficiency and ease-of-use. These can be simpler to install and offer more flexibility when you want to achieve a minimalistic look for your kitchen.

A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a different source of energy. This is an excellent option if you are looking to go green. However, you’ll need to find an appropriate LPG boiler and stove before this is an option for you. These models require gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.

3. Sealed Plate Hobs

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient and sleek option, an induction hob is definitely the choice. These hobs are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surface stays cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental fire!) and more efficient, since they use less electricity than electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be expensive and you’ll need to buy cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.

If you don’t want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs can be a good middle ground. These stylish and sleek hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements hidden underneath that make them more attractive than solid plate hobs and easier to clean, as there’s no need for complicated cleaning. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They don’t have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they might not be an ideal choice if you are concerned about your energy consumption.

Solid plate hobs are the best budget option, with a simple and durable design that is perfect for cooking in the everyday. They’re easy to warm up, which makes them an ideal choice for those who do not need a powerful cooktop. However, they do take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also emit a lot of residual heat, making them not as efficient as the other choices on this list.

We suggest that you search for reviews on the websites of retailers if you are considering a solid-plate hob. Not only will this give you an honest insight into the performance of the appliance however, it will assist you in locating the right model for your home. Customers have rated this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high marks and it’s finished in sturdy stainless steel. The black controls match in with other kitchen appliances, giving it a modern and minimal look.

4. Electric Hobs

While gas hobs are a popular choice for many cooks due to their rapid heat and simple control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy efficient. With modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, including power boost settings and precise temperature control, they’re a fantastic option for busy households.

When choosing an electric hob, look for one that has a sleek design with touch controls and no dials or buttons hanging out. They are easier to clean with a flat surface, and won’t scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to stop accidents. If you’re a smart home, go for an electronic display that gives you control of your hob remotely and also notifications via your smartphone, ensuring you can control your hob easily.

Think about a dual-fuel hob which has both induction and gas burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH’s FH-IC7020 hybrid hob 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 feature allows you to set cooking times to ensure that food is ready at the time you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long and makes your food less tasty.

Additionally, for greater convenience, you may want a model that allows you to combine two cooking zones into one larger zone for pans of varying sizes and shapes. This will save space and is beneficial when cooking with large rectangular cooking dishes such as roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide extra cooking options.

Gas hobs are available at a range of prices, from as low as PS100 to premium models costing up to PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a big brand should cost less than PS200. And if you want an elegant glass model it shouldn’t break the bank too, since there are excellent own-brand options. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require special supplies with the correct cables and breakers to function, so you’ll need it installed by an electrician.