10 Meetups Around Best Hobs You Should Attend
The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The best hobs are durable, stylish and simple to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs because of their precise flame control and versatility. However, electric hobs can provide superior energy efficiency and are also easier to clean. Look for features such as power boost and timer which allow you to increase the heat quickly in order to speed up cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are an innovative and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as do gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to warm the copper coils that are below the pans. The cooktop remains cool to touch and is therefore safer to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than a traditional kettle and consume 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-sensitive control panels are simple to use. However the heat distribution is patchy. This is a common complaint for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive eco credentials. It has an A+ energy rating and a low power consumption of 750w for each cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets you to move your pans between the four zones and adjust the power levels to suit your pots or saucepans. Meanwhile, the 'Power Boost" function increases the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shutoff function and a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops your pan from overheating, which means you do not have to worry about burnt food items.
This is an induction hob with a reasonable price that can be hardwired to a worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified by an arrow, cross or arrow to indicate the coil's centre. There is also an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has large "Flux Zone" that can be used to accommodate larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed to have pre-set power levels for the front and middle zones. This is a great option when cooking using a variety of pans of different shapes and sizes that need to be heated and simmered at the exact time, and kept warm.
2. Gas Hobs
Gas hobs (or gas cooktops, if you are American) are still the best option for cooking in your kitchen. They're the ideal choice for boiling water simmering sauces and soups cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to quickly and accurately produce high temperatures which makes them ideal for boiling and searing.
The visual flame indicator makes it easy to determine each burner's status at a glance. This is extremely useful to ensure safety. It's much more difficult to forget to leave a burner on, or switch it off accidentally when compared to an electric hob.
A majority of models are designed with a flat surface, which makes them less difficult to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There is no material that will protect the Neff T27DS59N0 against splashes or spills. You'll need to be cautious when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs are also more efficient in energy than their induction counterparts as they heat up more quickly and more evenly, thus reducing the cost of electricity. This is especially true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one and eliminate the need for a vent hood. This can save space in your kitchen and create a sleeker appearance that will blend into any interior style.
Due to their effectiveness and convenience, many home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that are freestanding instead of built-in models. They are simpler to install and offer greater flexibility if you're trying to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
Another benefit of opting for freestanding models is the possibility of connecting it to the bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative energy source if you're looking for a greener option. However, you'll need to be able to locate the right LPG boiler and stove before this option becomes a possibility for you. Additionally, these models will require gas supply and ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure that there aren't any leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
If you're looking for an elegant and energy-efficient choice an induction cooker is the best option to choose. They cook pots and pans with electromagnetic fields, while the glass-ceramic surface remains cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental fire!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient because they consume less energy than electrical or gas counterparts. However, the disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. hob and oven 'll need to invest in a set of induction-compatible cookware.
If you don't want to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs can be a good middle ground. These sleek and stylish hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements hidden underneath, which makes them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs. They're also easier to clean, as there's no need to do tricky cleaning. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they do lag behind induction hobs when it is energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy usage this might not be the best option for you.
Solid plate hobs, the budget option with their simple and durable design, are ideal for cooking in the everyday. They're easy to get hot and ideal for those who don't need a high-powered cooktop, but they're not quick to cool down, so they're not the best option for dynamic chefs who like to multitask. Solid plate hobs are not as efficient in energy as other options.
We suggest that you search for reviews on retailer websites in the event that you are thinking about a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide 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 highly rated by customers and is finished with durable stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it a a modern and minimal look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a favourite choice for many cooks thanks to their quick heat and simple control, electric hobs offer the benefit of being more energy-efficient. Also, with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs that offer advanced cooking functions, like 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 that stick out. They are more easy to clean with a flat surface, which won't scratch or chip. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to stop accidents. If you're a smart-connected home, opt for digital displays that give you control of your hob remotely and also notifications through your smartphone, so you can manage your hob with ease.
Think about a dual-fuel hob that 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 and sturdy cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. The timer feature allows you to set certain cooking times to ensure that your food is ready at the time you require it. This reduces the risk of cooking too long and makes your food less delicious.
To make cooking more convenient, a model with two separate zones for cooking pans of different shapes and sizes is the best option. This can help save space and is ideal for those who cook frequently using large rectangular cooking vessels such as roasting pans. In addition, some hobs come with the option of adding induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide extra cooking options.
There are a variety of cheap, own-brand gas hobs for sale starting at PS100 and higher-end models that cost up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic hob or induction model from a major brand will not cost more than PS200. If you're looking for glass there are plenty of great alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require special supplies with the right cables and breakers in order to function, which means you'll need it installed by an electrician.