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How to Choose the Best Hob

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Determine which features are the most important.

A basic ceramic electric hob costs just PS100. However you'll need to pay more for a model that comes with many features. Gas hobs are also a popular choice, and offer great temperature control, but they're pricier.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

This Haier hob comes with four cooking zones with three "Push&Go" functions, and will aid in cooking quick meals. It was among the fastest ways to boil water in our tests, taking just four minutes. It's child-safe and comes with an option to pause the process, so you can quickly stop the process without having to faff around with controls.

Its style is modern and sleek, blending in well with contemporary kitchens. It is usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and rest in a flush position on the countertop.

The controls are simple to operate and we loved the clear display which tells you the current power settings and which of the five zones are active. The 'Boost' feature produces high-powered heat for a short period of time, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pots of water to a boil fast. The hob's light that is hot and auto shut-off are great security features, too.

However it's not as responsive to touch as other hobs tested in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, as opposed to seven or six for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you change the cooking temperature, meaning you may have to change settings multiple times before your pan is at the right temperature.

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

It's fully integrated with the hOn app, and offers hundreds of recipes that include guided cooking and 30 special programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It has an intuitive multislider interface, as well as a lockable' control panel, plus it can automatically detect the type of pan you're using and set the proper cooking mode. It is also compatible with hOn cookware from third parties and has various safety features like the ability to lock the panel and boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction hob (for beginners)

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for a gas-free option. Prices have slashed dramatically over the past few years. Basic four-zone models can be found for less than PS100. If you want the latest induction technology, it's worth paying a little more.

This sleek model from Smeg features the latest induction technology to make your cooking energy efficient and convenient. The Auto-pot detection system detects pots that have a diameter of at least 9cm and then automatically selects the zone that is appropriate.

Smeg's focus on energy saving does not mean that they don't offer flexibility - this hob is designed to save power by setting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to suit your cooking needs. Eco-Logic advanced mode lets you to reduce energy consumption, reducing the power output to as low as 2.4kW.

Testers were impressed with the user-friendly interface of this hob with easy-to-use controls that slide along the edge of the hob in order to follow the pan. The control panel's color-coded layout makes it easy to identify the state of each zone. The 'Flexi Duo" feature lets you connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are numerous useful functions, including four automated cooking presets: melting boiling, slow-cooking and keeping warm.

In addition to this the hob also has an 'FlameSensor' feature that alerts you if there is any risk of fire or burnt-on food. There are many safety features like the residual heat sensor, as well as an automatic shut-off if the surface becomes too hot.

It's also hard-wearing with an anti-corrosive CleanProtect coating to protect it from tough staining and cooking marks. This model has nine power levels as well as the FlexiDuo feature to accommodate large pans and is easy to put in. There are a host of extra features, including lockable controls and a safety fuse in case of accidental button-pushing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

They are powered by electricity, not gas, induction hobs uk use copper plates that create an electromagnetic field when the pan is placed on top. They are able to heat up faster than gas hobs, and they use less energy because the cooking zone only gets hot when you turn on your pan. They are generally less expensive to operate than gas and they are also easier to clean.

The induction hob made by Indesit is packed full of features that allow you to get creative in the kitchen. It comes with two cooking zones that can be combined to form an Integrated Zone for larger pots and an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boil quickly. The Push&Go feature, for instance, lets you cook flawlessly at the touch one button. And nine power modes, including a 'P boost setting that gives each zone maximum power for five minutes, are easily selected with the controls, which are positioned along the bottom edge of the hob to track your pans.

The controls are simple to operate, and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it quickly heated up a pan once we put it on the Booster Zone, and boiling pasta water. However it took a long time to cool down after we turned off the hob. Our testers found it difficult to see the exact temperatures on the control panel.

In addition to the Dual Zone and Push&Go, the Indesit hob comes with a bridge function that lets you connect two cooking zones to accommodate larger pans. It also comes with an overheating and child lock block and an auto switch-off system that stops the appliance from working when it's heated to the point of. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no flames visible. Our testers were impressed by the fact that there was no visible flame. In contrast to traditional extractor hoods vented hobs draw steam and smoke away from the pan and out of the room via an air duct that is built into the surface. Our experts thought this hob's duct was easy to keep clean, although it required two people to take the filter out to change it.

4. Induction Hob by General Electric

Consider how the stove can work with your kitchen's layout and design as well as what your cooking style. For instance, if often cook with small children or elderly people in mind, safety features such as automatic shut-off and cool to the touch surface can make an induction hob the best option. For those who are looking for speed and efficiency using a ceramic glass facia on an electric hob is the best alternative. If you live in areas that are prone to load-shedding, the ability to use gas hobs oven during power cuts may tip the scales in favour of a gas model.