How to Choose the best hob - the full details -

There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Decide what features are most important.

A basic electric ceramic stove could cost as low as PS100 However, you'll need to spend more for a feature-packed model. Gas hobs are also a popular option and offer excellent temperature control, but they're more expensive.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier stove has four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions, and will help you prepare quick meals. It was also one of the quickest tested to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and features an option to pause the process, so you can stop the process without having to fiddle around with the controls.

Its style is sleek and contemporary and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic, and features control buttons that sit on top of the worktop to allow to make it easy to use.

The controls are easy to use and we liked the clear display that tells you the current power settings and which of the five zones is active. The "Boost" feature produces high-powered heat in a brief time. It's ideal for stir-frying and quickly boiling pans. Safety features like the hob light that is hot or automatic shut-off are also useful.

It's not as responsive as the other hobs we tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach the maximum temperature, as opposed to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, so you may need to alter settings several times before the pan is at the right temperature.

The model in 60 cm includes four cooking zones, including a half-flex zone that two zones can be joined together to accommodate larger pans and pots. The dual-ring design allows it to be operated at both "normal" and "boost" power levels. It is perfect for cooking and searing meat, or bringing pots of water to a rapid boil.

It's fully integrated with the hOn app, and offers 100's of recipes, with guided cooking and 30 special programs that are divided into various food categories and types of preparation. It has a multislider control panel with a "lockable interface' that can identify the type of pan you're using to set the correct cooking mode. It's also compatible with hOn cookware from third parties and has various security features, including a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the last few years. Basic four-zone models are now available for less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth the extra cost.

This sleek model from Smeg boasts the latest induction tech to keep your cooking energy efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically recognises the position of pots with a minimum diameter of 9cm, which allows you to switch on the appropriate zone without having to manually select it.

Smeg's focus is on energy efficiency, but it doesn't ignore flexibility - this hob can be adjusted to save energy based on the maximum operating temperatures of the zones. There are other options to save even more energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode, which reduces the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 4 kW.

The user-friendly interface of this stove impressed testers, thanks to its simple sliding controls that follow your pan along the edge of it. The control panel's colour scheme allows you to quickly determine the operating status of each zone, and the 'Flexi Duo' function allows you to connect two zones to cater for larger pans. There are plenty of useful functions, including four cooking presets for automatic cooking (melting boiling, melting, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results.

The hob also comes with a FlameSensor which will alert you when there's a risk of a food item being burned or the possibility of a fire. There are a variety of safety features such as the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface becomes too hot.

It is also resistant to tough stains, and has an anti-smudge coating called CleanProtect. The hob is simple to set up and features nine power levels, as well as a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are several bonus features such as control locks, as well as a safety fuse to prevent accidental pressing of buttons.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction hobs use copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is placed on the top. This means they can reach a temperature more quickly than gas hobs, and also conserve energy since the cooking area only heats up when you turn on a pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas and are easier to clean making them a popular option.

This induction hob from Indesit is packed full of features that make it easy to get creative in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones that can be combined to form the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, and a rapid booster zone to quickly bring water to a boil. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go let you create perfectly cooked meals by pressing one button. There are nine power modes including a 'P-boost setting that grants each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily set using the controls, which are positioned across the bottom of the hob to track your pans.

The controls are also easy to operate and feature modern, minimalist designs that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it boiled pasta water in a flash and was quick to heat up when we put an oven and hob in the Booster zone. It took a while to cool down after we turned off the hob, and our testers had difficulty seeing the exact temperature on the control panel.

In addition to a Dual Zone and Push&Go feature, this Indesit hob comes with a bridge function that allows you to combine two cooking zones to suit larger pans. It has a child lock, an overheating block and an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents the oven from working when it gets too hot. Our test participants were impressed that there weren't any messy, visible flames and the glass is easy to clean. Ventilated hobs uk in contrast to traditional extractors draw steam and smoke from the pan and out of the room by an air duct that is located on the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, however it took two people to remove the filter.

4. Induction Hob manufactured by GE

Consider how the stove can work with your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style is. For instance, if often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, security features such as automatic shut-off and a cool to the touch surface can make an induction stove the best choice. If you're looking for speed ovens and hobs efficiency, a ceramic glass fascia on an electric hob is the best alternative. Gas hobs oven are a great choice for those who live in areas prone to power outages.