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How to Choose the Best Hob There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration when selecting the best hob, from price to energy efficiency. Decide what features are most important. A basic electric ceramic stove can cost as low as PS100 however, you'll have to spend more for a model with a lot of features. Gas hobs are also a popular choice and provide great temperature control, but they're more expensive. 1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob This Haier stove has four cooking zones, three 'Push&Go” functions and can help you prepare quick meals. It was also among the quickest tests to boil water, taking just under four minutes. It's child lock-compatible and features a pause function, so you can stop the process without having to fiddle around using controls. Its design is modern and sleek, blending in well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made from glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit in a flush position on the countertop. The controls were easy to use, and we liked the display that shows the current power level and which zone is currently in use. The 'Boost' feature produces high-powered heat for a brief period of time, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pans of water to a boil fast. Safety features like the light on the hot hob or automatic shut-off are also beneficial. It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. It took nine presses to reach maximum temperature, compared to six or seven for other models. It also takes longer to respond when you alter the cooking temperature, so you may have to change settings several times before your pan is at the right temperature. This model is 60cm long and comes with 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 operate with both “normal” and “boost” power levels. It is perfect for cooking and searing meat, or bringing water pans to a rapid boil. It's fully connected through the hOn app and comes with hundreds of recipes that include cooking instructions and 30 different programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It comes with a multislider control panel that has a lockable interface' that can identify the type pan you are using to set the proper cooking mode. It also works with third-party hOn sets and comes with a variety of safety features, like a lockable control panel and boil-dry protection. 2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob Induction hobs are increasingly popular, whether renovating your kitchen or are looking for a gas-free alternative. Prices have slashed in the last few years, with basic four-zone models costing less than PS100. However, if you're looking for all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth the extra cost to get the latest technology. This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most modern induction technology that makes your cooking energy efficient and convenient. The innovative Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the position of pots with minimum diameters of 9cm, allowing you to activate the appropriate zone without needing to select it manually. Smeg's primary focus is on energy efficiency however, it doesn't overlook the flexibility of this appliance – it can be adjusted to conserve power based on the maximum temperatures that the zones can operate at. Eco-Logic advanced mode allows you to reduce energy consumption by reducing the power output to as little as 2.4kW. The user-friendly interface of this stove was a hit with testers, thanks to its simple sliding controls that follow your pan's edge the edges of it. The control panel's colour-coded scheme makes it easy to identify the state of each zone. The “Flexi Duo” function allows the connection of two zones to accommodate larger pans. There are many useful features, including four cooking presets that automatically cook (melting boiling, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost for super-quick results. The hob also has an alarm system that will notify you when there's a risk of a burnt-on meal or a fire. There are a variety of safety features, including a residual heat indicator as well as an automatic shut-off when the surface is too hot. It is also resistant to tough stains and features a CleanProtect protective coating. The stove is simple to set up and comes with nine power levels and a handy 'FlexiDuo' feature for catering to large pans. There are some additional features like control locks, as well as an emergency fuse to stop accidental button pressing. 3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob Induction hobs are powered by electricity and not gas. They utilize copper plates to generate magnetic force when a pan or pot is placed on them. This means they can heat up more quickly than gas hobs, and can also reduce energy consumption since the cooking area only gets hot when you turn on the pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas and are simpler to wipe clean too making them an extremely popular option. Indesit's induction hob is full of features that will allow you to develop your cooking ideas. It has two separate cooking zones that can be combined to form the Dual Zone for larger pots and an accelerated Booster zone that can bring water to boiling point quickly. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go lets you cook your food perfectly by pressing one button. The controls are easy to use and let you select nine power modes, including the P boost option that provides maximum power in each zone for five minutes. The controls are simple to use, and the minimalist design is perfect for modern kitchens. In our tests, it quickly heated up a pan when we placed it on the Booster Zone and boiled pasta water. However it took some time to cool down once it was turned off from the hob. Additionally, our test participants were unable to see the exact temperatures on the control panel. This Indesit hob also has a bridge function, which allows you to combine two cooking zones to make larger pans. It also comes with a child lock and overheating block as well as an auto switch-off system that stops the hob working when it's too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and there are no visible flames. Our testers were impressed by the fact that there was no visible flame. Unlike a traditional extractor hood vented hobs draw heat and smoke out of the pan and out of the room through a duct in the surface. Our experts believed that the duct of this hob was simple to keep clean, although it took two people to take the filter out and change it. 4. GE Induction Hob Think about how the hob will fit into your kitchen's layout and design, as well as what your cooking style is. Induction hobs are a great option if you cook with kids or elderly in mind. They come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs as well as a cool-to-touch surface. For those who are looking for speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass fascia on an electric hob is the ideal option. For those who live in areas that are prone to load-shedding, the capability to use gas hobs during power cuts may tip the scales in favour of a gas model.