Choosing the Best Hob

Choosing the best hob depends on your preferences for cooking and the space available. The type of worktop you choose and the location of the extractor hood are also important factors to consider when deciding on the right hob.

A basic gas-on-glass stove costs less than PS100 if you opt for an exclusive model. They are easier to clean and have a range of safety features including the red indicator that illuminates when the surface is hot.

1. Flexibility

If you're looking for a way to cook an easy midweek meal or perfect your pancake technique A hob that is flexible is key. The best hobs offer precise heat control, two wok burners, and a large cooking surface. They are perfect for a wide range of recipes. They can also be used in a variety of kitchens, thanks to their sleek designs and easy-to-clean surfaces. Many come with an option to have an extractor fan built-in to eliminate the requirement for separate overhead appliances, and thereby freeing up space for your workspace.

Gas hobs are able to provide instant heat, so it's no surprise that they're an extremely popular option. They do require periodic cleaning to ensure you aren't putting yourself at risk by carbon build-up on your stove or a fire breaking out. Plus, they take longer to heat water than induction models.

Induction hobs heat the pans rather than the surface of the cooker, making them less difficult to clean. But they can also be more expensive than gas hobs, and their glossy surfaces may expose fingerprints and scratches more easily.

Hybrid hobs bring the benefits of gas and induction cooking in one appliance, allowing you to change between these two modes based on the kind of food you're cooking. They're ideal for those who want to expand their culinary skills, but don't have the space or time for a major kitchen upgrade.

This electric hob is a fantastic example of a model which allows for flexibility in style and performance. The dual flex zone can be combined to accommodate larger pots and pans and its controls feature a child lock feature which prevents children from altering the settings. It's also designed to be connected to a smart hub, so you can manage its functions using your smartphone.

If you're in search of a top-quality induction cooker that can connect to your Wi-Fi network at home then look no further than this model from Smeg. It's packed with features to facilitate cooking faster and more easily such as automatic pan detection and PowerBoost as well as the ability to set a timer as well as a pause function. It's also super-easy to use with control buttons that respond immediately to changes, and an elegant design that will fit right in in the modern kitchen.

1. Energy efficiency

The best hobs are those that consume the minimal amount of energy regardless of whether you're boiling water or simmering soup. They're also a good option for those who want to reduce their electricity bills. Induction hobs are the most efficient kind, using electromagnetic fields to heat your pan directly so that the glass stays cool. Induction hobs are the most secure choice as they protect against accidental burns. While gas hobs aren't as efficient, they tend to be less expensive to run than electric models.

Our top pick Miele I Flex 90cm induction stove, offers plenty of flexibility because of its 'I-Flex' zone which allows you to merge two cooking zones into one large area, so you can cook with large pans and pots. The child lock on the touch controls prevents children from turning the stove or changing settings. This is a great feature for families with young children. Even though the ceramic glass has a matte finish, it is easy to keep clean with only a simple wipe.

The hob also comes with a 'Pan detection function' that automatically turns off the power to a specific cooking zone when removing the pan. It's not the only hob that has this feature, but it's a great feature that makes life easier when you're cooking a lot of meals for a family or a group of friends.

This is a smart hob that connects to internet, allowing you to control it using an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can also notify you when your food is ready so that you do not overcook it. This model boiled our test pan of hot water in less than four minutes, which is very quick for an Induction stove. It comes with flexible zones that you can combine, and a Stop &amp