How to Choose the Best Hob

There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the best hob, from cost to energy efficiency. Therefore, deciding on the features that are important is crucial.

A basic ceramic electric hob costs just PS100. However, you will need to pay more for a model with numerous features. Gas hobs are another popular choice and provide great temperature control, but they're more expensive.

1. Haier I-Flex Induction Hob

With four cooking zones and three functions called 'Push&Go', this hob from Haier will allow you to cook quick meals. It was among the fastest boiling water hobs in our tests, taking just four minutes. It comes with a child lock and pause function so you can stop the process in a snap without having to mess with controls.

Its style is sleek and contemporary and blends well with contemporary kitchens. It is typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) or ceramic. The controls are touch-sensitive and sit flush on the worktop.

The controls were easy to use and we loved the display which shows the current power level as well as which zone is in use. The 'Boost' feature produces high-powered heat for a short duration, and is ideal for stir-frying, or bringing pots of water to a boil fast. Safety features such as the hot hob light or automatic shut-off are also useful.

It's not as responsive as other hobs in this test. We observed that it took nine presses of the control to achieve the highest temperature, compared with six or seven on other models. It takes longer to respond when you change the temperature of cooking, which means you might have to alter settings several times before the pan reaches the right heat.

This model is 60cm long and has four cooking zones. One of the zones is a half-flex, where two areas can easily be joined to accommodate larger pots or pans. Dual-ring design permits it to be operated on both "normal" and "boost" power levels. Boost is perfect for frying meat while searing it or bring water to a fast boil.

It's fully connected via the hOn app and boasts hundreds of recipes that include cooking instructions and 30 different programmes split into different food categories and preparation styles. It has an intuitive multislider interface and a 'lockable control panel. In addition, it can automatically detect the kind of pan you're using and set the proper cooking mode. It also works with hOn cookware from third parties and has a number of safety features like a lockable panel and boil-dry prevention.

2. Smeg I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, whether you are renovating your kitchen or searching for a gas-free alternative. Prices have plummeted over the past few years, with the simplest four-zone models available for less than PS100. But if you want all the bells and whistles that include induction it's worth paying more for the most up-to-date technology.

This sleek model from Smeg comes with the most advanced induction technology that makes cooking more efficient and convenient. The unique Auto-pot detection system automatically detects the location of pots with minimum diameters of 9cm, which allows you to activate the appropriate zone without having to select it manually.

Smeg's attention to energy savings doesn't overlook flexibility either - this hob is designed to conserve power by adjusting the maximum operating temperature of the zones to meet your cooking preferences. There are also options to save even more energy by using the Eco-Logic advance mode which moderates the power output from 11.1 kW to as little as 2.4 kW.

The user-friendly interface of this cooker was a hit with testers, thanks to its intuitive sliding controls that follow your pan's edge the edge of ovens uk it. The control panel's colour scheme lets you quickly see the operating status of each zone, while the 'Flexi Duo' feature allows you to connect two zones together to accommodate larger pans. There are plenty of useful features, including four automatic cooking presets (melting, boiling, slow cooking and keeping warm) and a Power Boost to get results that are quick and efficient.

The hob also comes with a FlameSensor which will alert you if there's a danger of a burnt-on meal or an igniting fire. There are also several safety features, such as an indicator of residual heat and an auto shut-off feature if the surface becomes too hot.

It's also hard-wearing with a protective CleanProtect coating to protect it from tough stains and cooking marks. This hob is easy to set up and features nine power levels and an excellent 'FlexiDuo' feature that allows catering for large pans. There are a few bonus features like locking controls and a safety fuse to prevent accidental button pressing.

3. Indesit I-Flex Induction Hob

Induction hobs are powered by electricity, not gas. They make use of copper plates to generate an electric force when a pot or pan is placed on them. They can heat up much quicker than gas hobs, and they also use less energy since the cooking zone is only hot when you turn on the pan. They're generally cheaper to run than gas and are easier to wipe clean too making them a popular choice.

This induction hob from Indesit is packed full of features that make it easy to be creative in the kitchen. It comes with two distinct zones which can be combined into the Dual Zone to accommodate larger pans, as well as an instant booster zone to quickly bring the water to a boil. A variety of automated functions such as Push&Go let you achieve perfectly cooked dishes by pressing the button. The controls are easy to operate and allow you to select nine power modes including a P boost setting which gives the highest power to each zone for five minutes.

The controls are also simple to operate and feature a modern, minimalist design that's perfect for a modern kitchen. In our tests, it quickly heated up a pan after we placed it on the Booster Zone, and pasta water that was boiling. It took a while for it to cool down after turning off the hob, and the testers could not determine the exact temperature on the control panel.

In addition to the Dual Zone and Push&Go, this Indesit hob comes with a bridge function that lets you combine two cooking zones to fit larger pans. It also has an overheating and child lock block and an auto shut-off feature that stops the appliance from working when it's too hot. Ceramic glass is easy to clean and has no visible flames. Our test subjects were pleased with the fact that there was no visible flame. Ventilated hobs, unlike traditional extractors, draw steam and smoke from the pan and out of the room via a duct on the surface. The duct on this hob is easy to clean, but it took two people in order to remove the filter.

4. Induction Hob from GE

When selecting a kitchen appliance, consider how it fits to your kitchen's style and layout, as well as your cooking style and life. Induction hobs are a great choice for cooking with children or older people in mind. They come with safety features such as automatic shut-offs and a cool-to-touch surface. For those who value speed and efficiency, a ceramic glass fascia on an electric hob is the ideal option. Gas hobs are a great option for those who live in areas that are susceptible to power outages.