20 Resources To Make You More Efficient At Best Hobs
The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are long-lasting and stylish, as well as easy to clean.
Gas hobs are preferred by our experts for their versatility and precision control of the flame. But, electric models provide superior energy efficiency and are also easier to clean. Look for features such as a timer and power boost that let you increase the heat quickly in order to speed up cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a modern efficient and effective alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as gas hobs do, they employ magnet technology to heat only the copper coils beneath your pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch, making them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also boil water quicker than traditional kettles and consume less energy. The AEG premium model is a popular choice in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It has four cooking zones each with their specific functions and an hour minder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are simple to use. However the heat distribution is patchy. This is a common issue with all induction stoves.
The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year warranty and impressive eco credentials; it has an A+ rating for energy efficiency, with a low power consumption of just 700w for each cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows you to move your pans around in the four zones and adjust their power levels to suit your pans or pots as well as the 'PowerBoost feature boosts the output by 50% for quick boiling. The auto-shutoff feature and the 'fryingSensor' feature, which helps to prevent overheating of your pan, are also useful features.
This is an induction stove with a reasonable price that can be hardwired to a worktop or new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are marked with the ring, cross or arrow to indicate the center of the coil. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease, and it's pre-programmed to have set power levels in the front, middle and rear zones. This is great if you regularly cook with different sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought to the boil, simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are still the best choice to cook in your kitchen. They are ideal for boiling water as well as simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs and meats, frying them and pan-frying. Their popularity is due the fact that they can quickly and accurately produce high heat levels which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine the status of each burner at a glance. This is very helpful to ensure security. With an electric hob, it's less likely to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was on.
A majority of models are designed with a flat surface, which makes them easier to clean than ceramic counterparts. However, it's apparent that there's no material that could stop spills and splashes completely, so you'll need to be on top of cleaning to keep the Neff T27DS59N0 from getting blemished over time.
Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than their induction cousins because they are able to heat faster and more evenly, thus reducing energy costs. This is particularly true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can save on space in your kitchen, and also create a sleeker design that will blend in with any style of interior.
Because of their effectiveness and ease of use, many home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that are freestanding instead of built-in models. These can be more straightforward to install and offer more flexibility if you're looking to create a minimalist design for your kitchen.
Continue of opting for an independent model is the ability to connect it to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative energy source if you're looking for a more sustainable alternative. You'll have to find an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you consider this alternative. In addition, these models require a gas supply and ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Hobs for Sealed Plates
If you're looking for an elegant and energy-efficient choice, an induction hob is definitely the choice. They heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental fire!) and more efficient as they use less power than their electric or gas counterparts. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to invest in kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.
For those who don't want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs can be a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs are smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements that are hidden beneath that make them more attractive than solid plate hobs and easier to clean as there's no need for a difficult cleaning. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they do lag behind induction hobs when comes to energy efficiency, so if you're conscious of your energy use this may not be the right choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, the low-cost option with their basic and durable design, are perfect for cooking in the everyday. They are quick to get hot, making them a good option for those who don't need a powerful cooktop. However, they may take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also emit a lot of residual heat, which means they're not as energy-efficient as the other choices on this list.
If you're thinking about buying a solid plate hob, we recommend selecting one that has been rated by customers on retailer websites. This will not only give you an honest assessment of the performance of the product, but will also assist you in finding the one that is suitable for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been praised by customers and is made of durable stainless steel. The black controls match in with other kitchen appliances, giving it sleek and modern appearance.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks due to their rapid heat and simple control, electric hobs have the advantage of being more energy-efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves have advanced cooking features like power up settings and temperature control. They're a great option for busy households.
Find an electric hob with a an elegant design and has touchscreen controls. Avoid hobs with dials or buttons that protrude. This makes them easy to clean, especially when you choose an even surface that doesn't chip or scratch. Select a model with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have a smart-connected home, opt for a digital display that gives you a remote control and alerts through your smartphone, so you can manage your stove with ease.
Look into a dual-fuel stove that has gas and induction burners to give you the ultimate flexibility. FUJIOH's FH-IC7020 hybrid hob includes both, with easy touchscreen controls for the induction zones and hard-wearing cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set certain cooking times so that food is ready when you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long, and can make your food less flavorful.
For additional convenience For added convenience, a model that has two separate zones for cooking pans in different shapes and sizes could be the best option. This will save space and can be beneficial when cooking with large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Additionally, some stoves offer the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills as extra cooking options.
Gas hobs can be found in a range of prices, ranging from as low as PS100 to premium models costing up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand shouldn't cost more than PS200. If you prefer glass, there are many excellent alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a special supply with the correct breakers and cables to work, so you will need to have it installed by an electrician.