These hobs are ideal for kitchen islands where you wouldn’t want a hood getting in the way. You’ll have to pay a bit more for this new and innovative technology, but it could be worth it if you’re designing a luxury kitchen.

Many of these hobs come with advanced features such as sensors that sense how much extraction power is required and adjust it accordingly.
 

About Integrated Extractors

Pros and cons of integrated extractors

Some of the advantages of induction hobs with a built-in extractor are:

• No cooker hood required – This is great for kitchen islands, open-plan kitchens and countertops where there isn’t enough space above for a cooker hood. It means you won’t accidentally bang your head on the cooker hood, and if you’re cooking on a kitchen island you can talk to people elsewhere in the kitchen without a hood getting in the way.
• No rising steam – This makes them safer and prevents moisture from accumulating on the wall/kitchen cabinet etc.
• Steam & smells tackled at source – It’s less likely that cooking odours will spread into the room.

However, there are a few drawbacks:

• Vent takes up room on and under the cooktop – You’ll need more space on your kitchen countertop than you would with a regular induction hob. You’ll also need space underneath for the extractor itself and any ducting.
• Expensive – Hobs with an integrated extractor are uniformly expensive. There don’t seem to be any budget models on the market.

How well do built-in extractors work?

The short answer is yes, built-in extractors do work, and a good one will work just as well as a regular extractor. In this video, Steve from Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms uses a humidistat sensor to test the effectiveness of a built-in extractor. The video shows that the humidity around the hob returns to normal after the built-in extractor is turned on.

The integrated extractor can be either ducted or use recirculation. If it’s ducted, this means it will be connected to outside. If it uses a recirculation system, it will filter and clean the air using a carbon filter and then release it back into the kitchen.

It’s important to remember that you will need space (usually at least 20 cm) underneath your kitchen countertop for the extractor itself and any ducting.

Integrated extractor vs. downdraft extractor

One alternative to buying an induction hob with a built-in extractor is to buy a separate downdraft extractor. This is installed behind your hob and sucks the air horizontally and then down rather than up, making it a good option if you can’t or don’t want to install a cooker hood over your hob.

Downdraft extractors usually rise up around 40 cm from the hob, so aesthetically the effect is quite different to an integrated extractor that is flush with the hob surface.

Buying a regular induction hob and installing a separate downdraft extractor could be cheaper than buying one of the hobs listed above, though it depends on exactly which products you choose.

Will spilt liquid damage the extractor?

One thing you might worry about with venting hobs is what happens when a pan boils over. Will it damage the extractor?

Most venting hobs are designed to be able to handle water and other spilt liquids, so this won’t be a problem. It will be held within a container, which can then be emptied.

Can you buy a 5-ring induction hob with a built-in extractor?

As far as we are aware, there aren’t any five-ring induction hobs on the market that come with a built-in extractor. The biggest hobs with this feature have four rings.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one of these induction hobs to recommend, it would be the NEFF N70 V58NHQ4L0 since it is very powerful and highly rated by hundreds of users

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Best Venting Induction Hobs with an Integrated Extractor (2026 UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

The power usage of different hob ring types is very similar:

• Average induction hob ring power usage (per hour): 1.95 kW
• Average gas hob ring power usage (per hour): 1.95 kW
• Average ceramic hob ring power usage (per hour): 1.65 kW

However, because induction heats pans in a much more efficient way, it is much quicker to cook with, and will therefore use less energy to produce the same results.

As an example, the average induction hob will use about 0.117 kWh to boil a pan of water, while a gas hob would use 0.269 kWh and a ceramic hob would use 0.203 kWh.

In this article, we’ll explore induction hobs and the reasons why they are so energy efficient. We will also have a chat about the other great things that induction hobs feature too.

So, if you are considering a new hob for your home and want to get the most energy efficient one you can, induction hobs should be your hob of choice.

What Makes Induction Hobs So Energy Efficient?

Induction hobs are more energy efficient than other hob types because there is very little wasted energy. They heat pans directly using induction heating, which involves creating a magnetic field between the hob and the pan.

In contrast, conventional hobs such as gas and electric plate hobs heat pans indirectly, which means a lot of energy is wasted. This explains why conventional hobs feel hot if you put your hands near them, as the wasted energy is escaping into the air rather than heating the pan.

A conventional hob (an old-school gas or electric plate hob), has quite a bit of waste. In fact, about 50% of the energy is wasted. This is because the heat is dissipating around the pot or pan as you are heating it. This means wasted energy, and that costs you money and is bad for the environment.

An induction hob creates a magnetic field. When electricity is passed through the coil (which is underneath the glass), this creates electromagnetic energy. This passes directly into the pan, creating a current that produces heat.

So, your induction hob isn’t actually creating the heat as such. It is the pan and coil together creating the heat. Your hob is just creating a magnetic field, really.

Are Induction Hobs Cheaper to Run Than Gas?

Since induction is more energy efficient than gas, you might assume it would also be cheaper.

However, things aren’t that straightforward, since gas is cheaper than electricity.

During the current energy price cap (EPC) period from 1 April to 30 June 2026, the average energy costs per kWh in the UK are:

• 24.67p/kWh for electricity
• 5.74p/kWh for gas

Since gas is so much cheaper, this means that gas hobs are actually cheaper to run than induction hobs, despite being less efficient.

According to our calculations, the cost of running the average induction hob ring for one hour would be 48.1p, whereas a gas hob ring would cost just 11.2p to run for an hour.

However, since induction heats pans much more quickly than gas, you wouldn’t need to use it for as long compared to a gas hob, so the cost difference would’t be so great.

Induction hobs are cheaper to run than other electric hobs, but aren’t as cheap as gas hobs since gas prices are so much lower per kWh.

Benefits of Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are incredibly energy efficient and will help you lower your carbon footprint. However, there are loads of other benefits to an induction hob too.

Safety

For starters, these hobs are extremely safe. Only the pan generates heat. Also, because of the way an induction hob works, if a pan isn’t in contact with the surface, the hob shuts that ring off. It will also shut the element off if a pan is too small for that element.

Easy to clean

Also, induction hobs are very easy to clean. As the surface of an induction hob doesn’t heat up anywhere near the amount of any other hob type, any food that spills on an induction hob won’t burn.

Other Energy-Saving Cooking Appliances

Ovens and hobs are the main two cooking appliances found in all UK homes. However, there are other smaller cooking units you might want to include in your energy efficient kitchen. For example, microwaves, slow cookers, and air fryers.

A microwave is the most energy-efficient cooking appliance found in the kitchen, topping both an oven and a hob in terms of energy usage.

They cook food extremely quicky and so don’t use as much energy. In fact, they are up to 80% more efficient than a conventional oven!

However, while microwaves are an energy-efficient alternative for reheating food or cooking vegetables, they’re not suitable for cooking everything.

Thankfully, slow cookers and air fryers are a great oven-alternative to cook the foods that microwaves can’t.

The average slow cooker can use used on the highest energy setting for eight hours and only use 1.68 kWh of energy. This is because these appliances use a low current and trap heat inside the pot to facilitate cooking.

Air fryers don’t need any preheating and cook most things within 5 minutes. Therefore, they are also an efficient way of cooking!

How to Cook Using Less Energy & Electricity

Fitting your kitchen out with an induction hob and convection oven is a great step to a more eco-friendly home.

Cooking using your cooktop instead of the oven is also beneficial. And using a microwave, slow cooker, and air fryer in place of your oven further helps to cut energy usage, reduce your household bills, and better our planet.

However, appliances are only half of the equation! Here are some other considerations for energy-efficient cooking you can use to keep costs down.

1. Cook food in bulk

A great way to reduce your energy usage is to cook food in bulk. For example, cooking a lot of food at once in your oven means you can use more of the energy to cook food and less to heat empty oven space.

You can then freeze or refrigerate leftovers and reheat them using your microwave – the most energy-efficient appliance of them all.

2. Choose the right cookware

Choosing the right cookware can also impact your energy usage. A big consideration is the size of the pots and pans you use.

You should always use cookware that is the right size for the food you’re cooking.

Otherwise, additional energy has to be used to heat up a larger than necessary pan and the excess water within in.

Material is important as well. When choosing oven dishes, glass and ceramic cookware is best. Both of these materials are slower to heat than metal but hold heat for a long time, helping food to cook more quickly.

On the other hand, copper is a great option for pots and pans. It heats up more quickly than metals such as stainless steel, reducing cooking time and improving efficiency.

Whenever you cook on the stove, always ensure you put a lid on the pot as well. By covering your pots and pans, you’re helping to trap the heat inside the pan.

This is similar to how a slow cooker works and ensures more of the heat generated goes into cooking.

3. Use appliances the right way

Using the right appliances for cooking is important, but using your appliances the right way is also crucial. For example:

• Always use a burner ring that is the same size of the pan you’re using
• Turn down the heat of the hob to a simmer once the liquid has reached boiling point
• Never open the oven door during cooking as this lets heat escape
• Always use flat-bottomed pans with an electric hob to help heat the pan more quickly
• Keep your appliances clean so no heat is absorbed by debris and old food
• Turn an electric oven off 10 minutes before the timer to complete cooking without using additional energy

Conclusion

If you want the most energy efficient hob on the market, induction has to be your choice. They aren’t cheap, but they are fantastic.

The amazing energy savings from an induction hob is just one of the many benefits to this hob type. Please explore our website further for loads more information about hobs, ovens and all kinds of cookware.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post What’s the Most Energy Efficient Hob Type? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

However, the answer isn’t so simple when you compare them to other cooking methods such as gas.

In this article, we’ll look at average induction hob energy usage and running costs.

Is Induction Really More Expensive to Run Than Gas or Ceramic?

Based on the figures above, an induction hob is more than three times more expensive to run per hour than a gas hob. However, because induction hobs are so much more energy-efficient, you won’t need to leave it on as long, so it won’t be quite as expensive compared to gas.

If you look purely at energy usage per hour, you would conclude that induction hobs are four times more expensive to run than gas hobs. However, when the energy efficiency of induction is taken into account, we estimate that running costs will be closer to twice those of a gas hob, not four times.

Induction can heat and boil water much quicker than gas, so you will find you don’t need to leave your induction hob turned on for as long.

Induction hobs also work out cheaper to run than ceramic electric hobs in practice, since they are much more efficient. This goes some way to making up for the higher up-front cost of buying an induction hob.

This study published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that with induction cooking, as much as 90% of the energy consumed is transferred to the food, compared to just 40% for gas and 74% for regular electric hobs.

For a practical example, let’s look at how much it would cost to boil a pan of water, taking into account the efficiency of different hob types.

According to research from Which?, this is how long it takes to boil a large pan of water on the average hob:

• Induction hob: 3.56 mins
• Gas hob: 8.27 minutes
• Electric ceramic hob: 7.38 minutes

This means that induction hobs are about twice as fast as other hob types.

Based on this and the figures given above, the cost of boiling a large pan of water would be as follows for the different hob types:

• Induction hob: 0.06 (hours) x 1.95 (kW) x 24.67p (price per kWh) = 2.9p
• Gas hob: 0.138 (hours) x 1.95 (kW) x 5.74p (price per kWh) = 1.5p
• Ceramic hob: 0.123 (hours) x 1.65 (kW) x 24.67p (price per kWh) = 5p

As you can see, induction is more expensive to run than gas despite being quicker and more energy efficient. However, the running costs are more similar than you’d expect if you just compared per-hour costs, because induction is much quicker. Ceramic is almost three times as expensive as gas.

Cost of Buying an Induction Hob

Induction hobs tend to be more expensive than gas and ceramic electric hobs.

At the time of writing, the most popular induction hobs in the UK cost from around £150 to over £2,000, with a median price of about £500.

Gas hobs are cheaper to buy, starting at around £80 and rarely costing more than £500. The median price of a gas hob is around £200.

Electric ceramic hobs are priced somewhere in the middle, costing from about £120 to £700, with a median price of around £250

If you cook a lot, it will be worth investing in an induction hob rather than a ceramic hob, as the energy savings should pay for themselves well before it’s time to replace the hob. You’ll also be able to enjoy the greater responsiveness and speed of induction cooking.

However, if you only cook occasionally and are on a budget, a ceramic hob might be a better choice. Gas remains the cheapest option.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post How Much Does an Induction Hob Cost to Run? (2026 UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

But precisely what does ‘F’ mean on an induction hob? And how can you overcome this error and get your cooktop functioning?

Unfortunately, this is not a straightforward answer. The error codes used on induction cooktops vary by brand. Issues that may trigger an ‘F’ code include problems registering cookware, overheating cooking zones, or issues with internal components.

This article explains the most common meaning of the ‘F’ code on an induction hob and actionable troubleshooting steps.

We also look at the meaning of the ‘F2’ and ‘F3’ error codes, which typically relate to induction hobs with a SenseBoil® function, and the various ‘F’ codes on Bosch hobs, which seem to differ from most other brands.

What Is the ‘F’ Code on Induction Cooktops?

Meaning: On most induction hobs (including AEG and Electrolux), the ‘F’ code means that the hob rings are not registering the cookware you’re trying to use. Depending on the make and model, your hob might alternatively display ‘F1’ or ‘U’ error codes for the same issue.

Solution: Induction hobs work by using electromagnetic currents to heat pots and pans directly, so they can only be used with induction-compatible pans that can carry an electrical current.

If you are getting the ‘F’ error message, check that your pans are induction-compatible by:

• Looking for an induction symbol (coil or zig-zig icon) on the base of the pan.
• Holding a magnet to the base of the pan and seeing if it sticks. All induction pans are magnetic—if the magnet sticks, your pan is made from an induction-compatible material.
• Checking that you’re using stainless steel cookware, cast iron pans, or enamelled steel pans. Copper or aluminium pans are not compatible unless they have a magnetic base.

After checking that you’re using suitable induction-compatible pans, make sure you place them directly on the induction zone when trying to cook to help the appliance register their weight.

The hob might also struggle to register the cookware if there is anything between the pans and the induction surface, so ensure both the hob and pans are dry and clean.

If you’re still seeing the ‘F’ code displayed, try resetting your hob by switching it off at the mains and turning it on back after 30 seconds.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, there might be an internal connection fault inside the induction hob. Call a qualified electrician to inspect and resolve the problem.

Top Tip: Remember, not every induction hob will use the same error codes. To determine the exact issue and solution, refer to the user manual that came with your induction hob.

What Do ‘F2’ and ‘F3’ Codes Mean on Induction Hobs?

Meaning: On some types of hobs with advanced features, the ‘F2’ and ‘F3’ codes both indicate that the SenseBoil® function isn’t working. ‘F2’ code indicates the pot is empty or contains liquid other than water, whereas ‘F3’ implies there is too much or too little water in the pan.

Solution: The SenseBoil®  feature is designed to prevent water from boiling over by automatically adjusting the heat when a rapid boil is detected. Therefore, you need to have the right amount of water in the pan and attempt to boil water only when using this advanced setting. Here are some tips:

• Make sure the surface of the hob is dry before attempting to use it.
• When using the SenseBoil® feature, don’t activate any induction zones with empty pans on them. This will lead to an ‘F2’ error message.
• Check the amount of water you’re trying to boil. You should use between 1 and 5 litres (1 to 5 kg) of water for the SenseBoil® function to work, leaving at least 4 cm at the top of the pan.

What Is the ‘F’ Code on Bosch Induction Cooktops?

Meaning: Bosch induction cooktops use several ‘F’ error messages – F1, F2, F4, F5, and F6 – which have different meanings to most other brands of induction hob. They all indicate that the appliance is overheating.

Seeing these codes on the display shows that either:

• The cooking zone has switched off as it was overheating (F1 or F6).
• The electronics have overheated and the cooking zone has been switched off (F2 or F4).
• There is hot cookware near the control panel (F5).

Solution: If your induction hob is overheating and has turned itself off, you need to wait until the electronics have cooled down to a safe temperature before continuing to cook.

Wait a few minutes before returning your pan to the induction ring and switching it back on.

If you have an F5 error code, simply move your hot cookware away from the control panel and the error message should disappear.

If you don’t do this in time, the hob will switch off. Wait a few seconds before turning the hob back on and continuing to cook.

Hannah

Hannah is a freelance content writer and self-proclaimed foodie. When Hannah isn’t sitting tapping at her laptop, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen. As an ex-chalet host, she’s used to cooking four-course meals for 10+ people and loves feeding friends and family whenever possible.

The post What Does ‘F’ Mean on an Induction Hob? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Read on for our roundup of the best ceramic hobs available in the UK, plus more info on what ceramic hobs are and what you need to consider when choosing one.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Hobs

One of the biggest advantages of ceramic hobs are that they are easy to clean. However, you have to be careful not to scratch them. Here’s a summary of their pros and cons.

Ceramic Hob FAQs

What is a ceramic hob?

A ceramic hob is an electric cooker hob that has a ceramic veneer, making it easy to keep clean. The name ‘ceramic hob’ refers to the material use, not the way the hob works. The other main type of electric hob is referred to as a ‘solid plate’ hob.

Is a halogen hob the same as a ceramic hob?

Halogen hobs use infrared radiation to heat food and also produce a red light that lets you know that they’re hot.

The surface of a halogen hob is made from ceramic glass. Therefore, halogen hobs are ceramic hobs. However, not all ceramic hobs are halogen hobs.

What is the difference between induction and ceramic hobs?

Induction hobs often use a ceramic surface, and can therefore be described as a type of ceramic hob. However, not all ceramic hobs are induction hobs.

Induction hobs create a magnetic field between the hob and the pan. They are more efficient because they only heat the pan, not the hob itself. However, they only work with certain types of pan.

Can you get a ceramic hob with knobs?

Many ceramic hobs use a touch interface on the hob’s surface rather than traditional knobs. However, a few ceramic hobs have knobs, for example the John Lewis JLBICH601 and the Beko HIC64102.

Having raised knobs rather than touch controls makes the hob a bit harder to clean, but if you prefer them to touch controls it might be worth sacrificing the ease of cleaning.

Do you need special pans for a ceramic hob?

If your ceramic hob is an induction hob, you will need pans made from magnetisable metal (see some recommendations here).

If your hob isn’t an induction hob, any pan will work but you should avoid copper and exposed aluminium pans, as they can damage the hob’s surface.

The best pans for a ceramic hob are those made from hard anodised stainless steel or heavy-gauge coated aluminium.

Are ceramic hobs expensive to run?

We couldn’t find any data directly comparing the cost of running ceramic hobs against other types. Ceramic hobs are more expensive to run than induction hobs as they are less energy efficient.

Do ceramic hobs break easily?

Ceramic hobs are made from strong ceramic glass which does not break easily. You’re only likely to break a ceramic hob if you drop a heavy object on it, for example if a pan or jar falls onto the hob from a shelf or cupboard above it. However, ceramic hobs can scratch easily.

Can you replace the glass on a ceramic hob?

If your ceramic hob is cracked, the hob is no longer safe to use and needs to be either repaired or replaced.

In theory you could buy a replacement glass part and install it yourself, but this normally costs almost as much as buying a new hob, and unless you’re an experienced professional you may not attach the glass correctly. For most people it will make more sense to buy a new hob.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one product to recommend as the best ceramic hob, it would be the Bosch Serie 2 PKE611CA3E since it is easy to use, has good temperature controls, heats up quickly and is easy to clean, making it very popular with users.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Best Ceramic Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

5-burner hobs give you more space for pots and pans, allowing you to cook more at once and explore plenty of possibilities with your dishes.

So, let’s look at the best 5-burner gas hobs available in the UK, and some FAQs about gas hobs and how to choose the perfect gas hob for your needs and your kitchen, shall we?

How to Choose the Perfect Gas Hob for your Kitchen

When choosing the right gas hob for your kitchen, there are a few things to consider.

Unlike other hobs like induction hobs, for example, gas hobs are nice and simple. They aren’t controlled by electronics or computers. You control what your hob does and are free to cook however you wish.

Still, there’s some considerations to make when choosing a gas hob to ensure you get the right one for your needs and your kitchen.

Price

Price is a factor with everything we buy for our kitchens, and a good hob is no exception to this.

We’re sure you’ve already thought of a price you’d like to pay for your gas hob, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Many people forget to include the installation cost for their gas hob in their price range. So, when it comes to buying the hob, suddenly it is out of your budget.

Installation costs for gas hobs can be anywhere from £50-£200 depending on the hob and the company you buy it from.

So, factoring in those costs as well as the cost of the hob ensures you get the best hob for your needs installed into your home.

Size

Even though all of the gas hobs above have 5 burners, there is quite a size difference between some of them. For example, the two Smeg hobs above are 20 cm different in size.

So, if you have a smaller kitchen, there is still a 5-burner hob that will likely fit nicely and not take up a massive amount of room.

Remember, though, if you’re buying a 5-burner hob because you want more space to cook, a smaller 5-burner hob may not provide the space you want.

So, you may want to invest in one of the larger hobs above to ensure you aren’t limited on the pots and pans you can use on the cooking surface.

Burners

All of the hobs above have 5 burners, but there are gas hobs that have 2, 4, 6, even 8 burners! Choosing the right number of burners for your needs is really important.

If you use the hob all the time, and most of your cooking is done on the hob, having plenty of burners to use could be a good option for you.

Or maybe a speciality burner that is designed for woks or rapid boiling tasks is more up your street.

Having lots of burners is great, but having the right kind of burners for the cooking you do is much better.

Style

Do you have a traditional or ultra-modern kitchen? And will the hob you buy suit the style of your kitchen?

Installing an ultra-modern gas hob into a very traditional country kitchen can work for some people, but others may absolutely hate the look of this.

So, choosing a hob that can do everything you need it to, but one that also looks perfect for the style of your kitchen, is really important.

While we can tell you about the best 5-burner gas hobs available in the UK right now, only you know which is the perfect hob for your kitchen.

So, have a think about your budget. What do you like to cook, and which pans and pots do you use the most? Is your kitchen short on space, or do you have endless space to play with?

Really have a think about what you want out of your hob, and then find the best hob in your price bracket that ticks all of your boxes.

Can You Install a Gas Hob Yourself?

Technically, you can fit a gas hob yourself, but before you use the hob, it must be checked out by a gas safe registered engineer to ensure it is safe to use.

They check the gas lines and the connection from the gas supply to the hob.

So, it is much easier to pay for installation, as the engineer who installs your hob will do these checks at the time of installation.

Do Gas Hobs Require Servicing?

Most gas hob manufacturers state that a gas hob should be serviced every year by a gas safe registered engineer. However, check with the manufacturer’s guidelines as some do differ.

Conclusion

We hope you found the perfect 5-burner gas hob for your kitchen above. We love the Samsung NA75J3030AS 75cm Gas Hob. It has very sturdy pan supports, a wonderful style and very precise heating controls.

To find out more about gas hobs or to go shopping for new cookware to enjoy on your new gas hob, check out the rest of Chef’s Pick.

We’ve got everything you need for your kitchen, from hobs and ovens to cookware and cleaning tips; Chef’s Pick has it all.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best 5-Burner Gas Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

They have bought gas hobs into the 21st century in design terms yet kept the incredible cooking power and heat control that gas is known for.

If you have a gas hob already and are looking for a replacement, you’ll love what we have below.

Benefits of a Gas on Glass Hob

You may be wondering why the cooking world is going crazy about gas on glass hobs right now.

After all, surely they are the same gas hobs as we know and love, but with an updated style?

You’re completely right, but the updated style makes these stoves the perfect addition to any modern kitchen.

With a gas on glass hob, you can take advantage of the amazing cooking power of gas but have a stove that looks just as modern as any induction hob on the market.

Plus, as the actual cooking technology inside hasn’t changed, you don’t need to learn a new way of cooking.

And the price hasn’t shot up because of brand new cooking technology. Instead, you can buy a fantastic looking stove with all the power of gas for an amazing price.

There isn’t another stove on the market right now that packs the punch of a gas on glass hob in terms of style, power and affordability. That’s why the cooking world is going crazy for these hobs.

Are Glass Gas Hobs Difficult to Clean?

Whether a gas on glass hob is tricky to clean or not greatly depends on the pan supports and how they are fixed in place.

The Cookology hob above has pan supports that stretch across the whole hob, and the glass has notches out of it to accept the pan supports. This makes this hob a bit trickier to clean than some other models.

Both the Millar hobs above, though, are really simple to clean because the pan supports sit in slots around the burners. Just remove the pan supports, and you can easily wipe the glass down.

If you’ve cooked on gas for a long time, you may not be used to cleaning a glass hob top. This can be tricky to master but think of it like cleaning a window.

Give it a good wipe down with the cleaning product of your choice, and then dry it off completely when you’re finished. This should give you a streak-free shine on your lovely gas on glass hob.

Should I Buy a Gas on Glass Hob?

If you want a gas hob but aren’t keen on the outdated design that many have, a glass-topped gas hob could be the way to go.

They look incredible. I actually prefer the look of these hobs over induction and electric hobs.

Plus, the price of these hobs is some of the best on the market right now too. And you aren’t converting to a new style of hob that will take some getting used to.

So, you have a gas hob that has a very modern look, but the controls are exactly the same.

I’d say if you want a modern-looking hob but want to stick with gas, these are your best option.

Conclusion

We hope this looks at gas hobs with glass tops has been helpful. If we had to pick just one to recommend, it would be the Rangemaster RMB70HPNGFGL thanks to its sleek design, excellent performance and handy wok burner.

If you’d prefer a more traditional hob, check out our list of the best gas hobs in the UK.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best Gas on Glass Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Induction hobs provide an unparalleled cooking experience. They are as fast as gas, more controllable than electric, really stylish and extremely versatile too.

But we have loads of articles telling you about how amazing induction hobs are, you don’t need another one! What you need is a list of the best induction hobs on the market right now.

So, if you are looking for an induction hob and want to know what the favourite induction hobs of the nation are, you’re in the right place. Here are the best induction hobs in the UK right now!

How Do Induction Hobs Work?

Induction cooking works differently from both gas and electric cooking. Rather than using a heat source to warm up the hob itself, induction cooking directly heats the pans.

It does this by using an electromagnetic current created by copper wiring under each hob ring. Electricity is run through these wires and creates a magnetic field.

When magnetised cookware is placed on top, the electromagnetic field can pass heat directly from the copper wires to the pan.

The cooktops themselves, however, don’t get hot at all. The copper coils and other electronic components are beneath a glass ceramic surface. As glass is not magnetised, it cannot conduct heat itself. Instead, heat passed through the glass to the pan.

Induction Hob Power and Installation Requirements

Before purchasing an induction hob, it is worthwhile considering the installation requirements. Like most conventional cooktops, you will need a hole of the right size in your kitchen counter to slot the induction hob into.

The space you need to have available depends on the exact model you’re using. Bear in mind that some induction hobs require additional space around the edges, so always check the manual before attempting installation.

Induction cooktops also need electricity to function, so you need to consider the power requirements as well. Most induction stoves usually need a 30 to 40 amp connection so that power limits are not exceeded when the hob is in use.

The majority of homes will already have these appropriate connections in place. With that said, this does all depend on the wiring and electrics in your home.

If in doubt, speak to an electrician. They might need to bring up the electric connection in your home for the induction cooktop to function or may suggest installing a 40 amp breaker to protect the electrical circuits.

You can also purchase a 13 amp induction cooktop if you want to avoid these installation issues. These cooktops can work with a standard three-pin plug and can typically be installed without requiring professional help.

How to Choose the Right Induction Hob

There are loads of induction hobs on the market.

Some have fantastic safety features like automatic control panel locks and timers for each burner.

So, how do you choose the right hob? Well, finding an induction hob that is perfect for your kitchen is all about you.

You need to decide which suits your cooking style better. Do you want an induction hob that has all of the safety features, perhaps you have small kids that love to touch everything. Or do you fancy getting an induction hob that has all of the bells and whistles? Perhaps you love cooking in a wok, and the wok burner on some models would be really handy.

The key to finding an induction hob that is right for you is finding the model that will benefit you the most. So, as you are reading our list of induction hobs, which one stood out as the induction hob that ticks all of your boxes?

Do you prefer a four-burner induction hob, or would you prefer the space a 5-burner hob would provide? Perhaps you are limited on space, and so a four-burner is a must, but you need it to have all of the safety features available.

With so many induction hobs on the market, the perfect hob is out there for you. So, think about things that are important to you, for example:

• The size of the hob
• The control panel (Is it a touch screen? Is having a touch screen important?)
• The material it’s made of
• How robust the model is
• How many burners it has
• The safety features
• How quickly it heats up
• How easy it is to use

If you keep these in mind when looking at induction hobs and find a hob that ticks all of your boxes, then you’ll have your perfect induction hob.

We know that buying an induction is a big investment. If this is your first induction hob, you want to get it right the first time. So, think about what you want your hob to have and then find the hob that matches your preferences perfectly. That induction hob may even be on the list above!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Induction Hobs

There are loads of advantages to induction hobs, and there are a few disadvantages too. Here’s a breakdown of what we love and dislike about induction hobs.

Advantages

• Speed – Induction hobs can boil water as fast as gas hobs.
• Controls – These hobs offer much more fine control than other electric hobs.
• Energy-efficient – As induction hobs heat the pan and not the stove, they are the most energy-efficient hob available at the moment.
• Sleek design – If you are after a modern-looking stove, they don’t come more modern than an induction hob.
• Energy-efficient – Induction hobs are the most energy efficient hob type. They use up to 70% less energy than a traditional electric hob, and 90% of the energy they produce goes directly into the pan and heats it up.
• Safety – Without a pan, the hob won’t heat up. Most induction hobs also have safety locks and other features, making them the safest hobs to have in a home with kids.

Disadvantages

• Pans – You need to use the right kind of pans, and some older pans may not work with your induction hob.
• Scratches – The ceramic top on an induction hob is the same material as any other electric hob. This is prone to scratching if you aren’t careful while cooking.
• Learning curve – As induction hobs are similar to gas hobs but look like electric hobs, there’s a learning curve for anyone who hasn’t used one of these hobs before. If you’re used to an electric hob, the power and speed of these hobs may shock you. And if you’re used to gas hobs, you’ll really need to be careful that you don’t scratch the top.

Is it Worth Getting an Induction Hob?

Whether it’s worth getting an induction hob is really personal preference. However, we can say that induction hobs are amazing. They are so powerful yet controllable.

They are some of the most beautiful hobs being made at the moment and will make your kitchen look fantastic. They are also the most energy-efficient hobs being made right now too. And they are packed full of amazing features to help you cook quickly and easily.

So, in our opinion, induction hobs are worth it. And now that induction hobs are a comparable price to gas and other electric hobs, it’s the best time to enjoy an induction hob!

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one induction hob to recommend it would be the Indesit IB65B60NE. It’s one of the sleekest-looking hobs on the market and is very versatile, with two flexible zones on the right-hand side that can be combined to form a bigger cooking area. At 59 cm wide, it is the standard width for a hob, so should fit most kitchens perfectly.

We hope you found your perfect induction hob above. If you did, make sure to read our articles about owning, installing and learning to love cooking on an induction hob. These hobs are a joy to use (once you learn how) and can make beautiful meals for your family!

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post The Best Induction Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

To cook on an induction hob is to bring back a passion for cooking that may have been tainted by your old hob.

If you love cooking and are in the market for a new hob, having an induction hob installed is probably the best thing you’ll ever do.

Sure, there can be a learning curve with induction hobs, but I promise you you’ll love using an induction hob.

Why Choose a 5-Zone Induction Hob?

If you are already sold on getting an induction hob (if you aren’t sold on an induction hob, read our article on the reasons to buy one and you soon will be), you might be wondering why many people recommend 5-zone induction hobs. I mean, a hob is a hob, right?

Buying any kind of induction hob will see your cooking experience improve, so why do so many people say “buy a 5-zone hob, you’ll love it”. Of course, there is a lot of personal opinion in buying an induction hob, but a 5-zone could be perfect for your home.

Before I get to our list of the best 5-zone induction hobs on the market, let’s briefly look at why 5-zone induction hobs are so awesome, shall we?

Induction hobs are very sleek and modern looking, so they are perfect for the modern kitchen. Of course, the same is true for all induction hobs, so that is hardly a selling point for a 5-zone hob.

If you have been managing with a 4-zone hob all this time, then you may think that a 4-zone induction hob will serve you well. However, a 4-zone induction hob lacks some of the amazing versatility that a 5-zone hob offers.

For example, with a 5-zone hob, you can use three zones for boiling, frying and steaming. Then the other 2-zone could be used together for a large skillet. This is all at the same time, by the way, you don’t have to keep this setup forever.

This means that you could cook an entire meal for four people just on the hob. You can steam the veg, you can cook the steaks, and you can boil some new potatoes.

When you use an induction hob in the way described above, it provides fantastic control. You can cook whole meals on a 5-zone induction hob just by using the versatility of the hob itself.

With a 4-zone induction hob, you can still use a large skillet or something that takes up 2-zones, but you then only have 2-zones left.

So, the space on a 5-zone induction hob is awesome. Also, as induction hobs are so versatile, you won’t just use this extra zone at Christmas or at large dinner parties. You will likely use most of the zones on your induction hob every time you cook.

5-zone induction hobs do take up a bit more space than 4-zone ones. Still, if you have space, this extra zone allows the induction hob to perform magic in your kitchen, and you’ll be amazed that you ever managed to cook on a 4-zone hob once you’ve tried it.

How Wide Is a 5-Ring Induction Hob?

The size of a 5 ring induction hob can vary, but they are generally wider than standard 4 ring hobs. M0st of the induction hobs on this list are about 80 cm wide, however there are some available on the market that are just 76 cm wide and others that are greater than 86 cm.

Conclusion

So, that is our list of the best five-zone induction hobs on the market right now.

If we had to pick just one to recommend, it would be the NEFF N70 T58FD20X0. It’s stylish, reliable and very highly rated by users, with some great features including FlexInduction for combining several pan zones into one.

We hope you have found your favourite induction hob on the list above. To get ready for your new induction hob, why not check out the rest of our hob articles? We have loads of articles about induction hobs on here that will help you maintain and enjoy your hob for many years to come.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best 5-Zone Induction Hobs (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

This article goes through some of the best 80 cm induction hobs in the UK, covering their best features, any complaints from current users that may be worth bearing in mind, as well as prices that are suitable for different budgets.

Whatever you’re looking for with your induction hob, we will get you well on your way.

New to Induction Hobs?

If you’re new to the wonderful world of induction, here are some pointers to make your purchasing journey easier:

• Be careful if you have a pacemaker – Avoid buying an induction hob if you or someone you live with has a pacemaker. The ferromagnetic plates inside the top may interfere with a pacemaker’s settings.
• Make sure you have induction-compatible cookware – You will need to make sure your current pans are induction-friendly (see below for more information). If your current ones aren’t, you will need to kit yourself with a new set that will work on your induction hob.
• Induction is fast! – Induction is much faster at bringing heat to your pans, so your hob shouldn’t be treated as though it works the same as a gas or standard electric cooker. Many induction newbies may experience a few over-flowing liquid experiences in the initial period of owning the hob!
• Induction hobs sometimes buzz – They occasionally make buzzing and humming noises; and some are noisier than others. This is normal, but it can be irritating and disconcerting at first.

What Pans Can You Use on Induction?

As we stated earlier, not every pan on the face of the planet (or in your kitchen) will work on induction, which can be a nuisance, and may mean a trip to your nearest hardware store or supermarket may be in order.

So, if this is the case, here’s what will work:

• Cast iron
• Steel or enamelled steel
• Stainless steel with a magnetic base or core
• Aluminium and copper with a magnetic base

Pans that won’t work:

• Copper
• Glass / Pyrex
• Ceramic
• Aluminium

However, sometimes the pans listed above have a stainless-steel base, which allows them to work on induction. For example, you can get induction-compatible copper pans with a stainless-steel bottom.

How Does Induction Work?

While induction hobs are electrically powered, they work very differently from standard electric cookers.

An induction hob heats up by passing an electric current through its copper coils and into the pan. If a magnetised pan is then placed on the hob, the magnetic field will generate heat. Unlike other hob tops, it’s the pan and not the cooktop that gets hot.

Can I Install the Hob Myself?

If you purchase an induction hob, you will need a professional to install it for you. Depending on the retailer you purchase your induction hob from, this may be included within the purchase.

However, it is wise not to assume this, and to check whether they will send an engineer or whether you’ll need to organise/pay for this yourself.

Conclusion

So, we’ve shown you just some of the great 80 cm induction hobs that are currently on the market in the UK, but if you’re stumped at which to go for then allow us to offer our expert advice, we’re big fans of the Zanussi ZITN844K. It’s easy to use and easy to clean, and is generally very highly rated by users.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

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