The Best Hobs Awards: The Top, Worst, Or Weirdest Things We've Ever Seen

The Best Hobs Hobs can be found in various sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are long-lasting elegant, stylish and easy to clean. Gas hobs are the preferred choice of our experts for their versatility and precise control of the flame. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features like a power boost and a timer. 1. Hobs Induction Induction hobs are an innovative 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 warm up the copper coils below the pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch, making it safer to use and easier to clean. They also heat water faster than traditional kettles and consume less energy. They're now a standard appliance in the HelloFresh's test kitchen and we appreciate this sleek, premium model from AEG which boasts four cooking zones, each with its own controlled functions and an efficient minute timer. It has a smooth surface that can be cleaned easily and is simple to operate using the touch control panels, however one minor gripe (which is typical for all induction hobs) is that the heat distribution can be uneven, but it is only evident when you are trying to stir fry. The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with the lowest power consumption of 750W for each cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows the pans to be moved around within the four zones and alter the power levels to fit your pans or pots and the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% to ensure quick boiling. The auto-shutoff function as well as the 'fryingSensor' that ensures that your pan is not overheated are other useful features. This is a great affordable induction cooker that can be easily wired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones that are independently controlled are clearly identified by the use of a cross or ring to show where the center of the coil is and there's a simple touch-control panel. It features an enormous 'Flux Zone' that can be used to accommodate larger pots or pans. It's also pre-programmed with pre-set power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is great if you often cook with multiple different sized or shaped pans that have to be brought to a boiling point, then simmered and kept warm while cooking. 2. Gas Hobs Gas hobs (or gas cooktops if you're American) are the best option for cooking in your kitchen. They are the best for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups cooking eggs and meats, frying them and pan-frying. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately generate high heat levels making them ideal for boiling and searing. Their visual flame indication also allows you to see the status of each burner in a glance, which is useful for security reasons. It's a lot harder to forget about leaving a burner on, or to switch it off by accident, than it is with an electric hob. Most models have a flat surface, which makes them more manageable than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes and spills. You'll need to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming stained over time. Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction cousins, as they heat up faster and evenly, saving on electricity costs. This is especially true with vented stoves that combine the two appliances in one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can free up space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker look that will fit in with any style of interior. Many homeowners prefer gas hobs that are freestanding over built-in models due to their efficiency and convenience. They are simpler to set up and provide more flexibility when you want to achieve an elegant kitchen design. Another benefit of opting for an independent model is the possibility of connecting it to the bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which is an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a more sustainable option. But, you'll need be able to locate an appropriate LPG stove and boiler before this option becomes a possibility for you. These models require a gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks. 3. Sealed Plate Hobs Induction hobs are the ideal option for those who want an energy-efficient, sleek appliance. They are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surface 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 their gas or electrical counterparts. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to purchase kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction. For those who don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs can be a good middle ground. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth glass-ceramic top that conceals heating elements. They are more aesthetically appealing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs as they don't require a hard scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They do not have the same efficiency as induction hobs, which means they are not a good choice if you are concerned about your energy consumption. Finally, solid plate hobs are a good budget alternative, with a simple and reliable design that's perfect for cooking in the everyday. They are quick to heat up, making them a good option for those who do not need a powerful cooktop. However, they may take a long time to cool. Solid plate hobs also release lots of heat, which means they're not as efficient as the other options on this list. If you're considering a solid plate hob, we suggest choosing one that's been reviewed by customers on the websites of retailers. This will not only provide you with an honest view into the performance of the appliance and how it's used, but it can aid you in finding the perfect model for your home. oven uk have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's finished in robust stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, giving it a modern and minimal look. 4. Electric Hobs While gas hobs are a popular choice for many cooks thanks to their rapid heat and simple control, electric models offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have advanced cooking features like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households. Find an electric hob with a sleek design and touchscreen controls. Avoid best hobs with buttons or dials that protrude. This makes them easy to clean, especially if you opt for flat surfaces that don't scratch or chip. Select a model with child locks and hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, you might opt for a digital display that allows you to control your hob remotely and also receive notifications from your smartphone. Consider a dual-fuel hob that comes with both induction and gas burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 hybrid hob includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones and durable cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer function lets you to set specific cooking times to ensure that your food is ready at the time you require it. This helps reduce the risk of cooking too long, and can make your food less tasty. For added best hobs for added convenience, a kitchen appliance with two separate zones for cooking pans of different shapes and sizes is the best option. This can save on space and is ideal when cooking using large rectangular cooking vessels like roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills for additional cooking options. Gas hobs are available in various costs, from as little as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a reputable brand should cost less than PS200. If you prefer glass models, there are many excellent options available from manufacturers who manufacture their own brands. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the right breakers and cables to work, so you'll need it installed by an electrician.