Hobs are one of the most essential accessories in your kitchen. It is that element that puts cooked food on your table. Hobs are improvised versions of traditional stoves. Like the stoves, these are also available with a lot of variations, and compared to the traditional steel stoves these are a tad bit heavy on the pocket. With the variety available in the market and the consumer’s eye for aesthetic appeal in the kitchen, one is bound to be confused while choosing the perfect hob top for your kitchen. Fret not! Here is our 7-point buying guide highlighting the essential features to consider while looking for a hob top, followed by a list of the 10 best kitchen hobs to make your choice easier.
Buying Guide:
- Size of the hob
The size of the hob matters greatly in your selection of the model, as per the space availability in the kitchen. There are varied sizes of hobs, but the most common size available is 60 x 60 cm. or 90x60 cm.
The size of the hob may further determine the type and size of the chimney that you will install in the future.
2. Burners
The required number of burners in a hob top is determined by the consumer's requirements and type of usage. The number of burners in a hob ranges from 2 to 5, with variations in their powers.
Another criterion to consider when it comes to burners is whether they have a triple or double ring; this determines the type of flame that the burner produces.
The most common material that the burners are constructed in is brass.
Tip: Try to identify models that come with an additional drip tray with the burner. This helps clean the area easily and improves the maintenance of the hob top.
3. Ignition type
Both auto-ignition and manual ignition are available in the market. Stoves' auto-ignition function is operated through a spark plug powered by a battery or, in certain cases, electricity. The type of ignition the consumer wants is a personal choice.
Consumers have started preferring auto-ignition as it is hassle-free and independent of any external source for lighting up the flame. But do test it before you rest it in your kitchen.
4. Pan support
The pan support is a very important component of the whole assembly. It is the element that supports the pans over the burner. Before taking the final call, check the material (preferably coated cast iron) and the stability it provides to the vessels. These can generally be removed for better stove maintenance.
5. Flame failure protection
Hob top essentially works with inflammable gas and fire. The flame failure protection feature is a pertinent feature as it helps in cutting off the gas supply if the flame goes off on its own.
6. Type of installation
The hob tops can be in two ways – countertop or built-in. In the countertop format, the hob top is simply kept on the counter, while in the built-in type, a cut-out is made in the counter, and the hob is then installed in the cutout. To provide the user with the flexibility for installation type, many models are hybrid. That is they can be used both ways.
The choice of the type of installation also depends on the personal take and aesthetic vision of the user.
7. Warranty
This is an important consideration when choosing a stovetop. It helps cover many issues that arise during the product's usage. Read the warranty documents carefully before settling on a brand or model.
Following are the 10 best kitchen hobs that we picked –
1. Faber Hob/Hobtop 3 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT603 CRS BR CI AI) Black
- This hob top has 3 brass burners with a black enamel coating to evenly spread the flames for uniform cooking.
- The ignition mechanism is built-in auto-electric, which increases reliability.
- The pan support is made of heavy cast iron, giving it maximum stability for Indian cooking.
- The metallic knobs are heat resistant for a comfortable cooking experience.
- The model can be used as a hob top or flushed into the counter, depending on the user's requirements.
- The compact hob top is designed for maximum gas efficiency.
- The hob top is finished with 8 mm thick toughened black glass. This makes the hob durable and imparts aesthetics to a kitchen.
2. Bosch Built in Gas Hob Stainless Steel 5 Burner Silver PCS9A5C90I
- This hob top has 5 burners of varied powers.
- If you want a non-glass hob, this built-in hob top comes in an SS 304 finish, which creates a minimalistic look.
- The flame control is managed by sword control knobs.
- It is also equipped with a flame failure safety device.
- This hob top with a clean and minimalistic look will spice up your kitchen area.
3. BLOWHOT Pluton 4 Burner Battery Operated Built - In Gas Hob Heavy Brass Burners With Brass Base 70cm Toughened Glass Top, One 100mm Triple Ring, Two 90mm Double Ring, One 70mm Brass Burner - Black
- This hob top with 4 brass burners is ideal for Indian cooking.
- The burners come with cast iron vessel supports for balancing a variety of vessels.
- The top is finished with 8 mm bevelled toughened glass for enhanced durability.
- It is equipped with heavy silicon padding on the bottom to prevent water from flowing inside it and further into the cabinets.
- The knobs provided are smooth and easy to use, made to last for a long time.
- This built-in hob with battery ignition is a viable option to choose for a contemporary kitchen.
4. Elica Hob 4 Italian Burner Auto Ignition Glass Top With Direct Multi-Flame Brass Burner Gas Stove (Flexi Hexa 460 Lotus Ind Hd Brass) - Black
- This hob top has 4 burners of distinct sizes 2 Triple Ring Burners and 2 Double Ring Burners made of brass.
- It has a premium glass finish and is resistant to corrosion and scratches.
- The hob top is sure to add aesthetical appeal to the kitchen space.
- It features a multi-flame control, which makes the hob top highly energy-efficient and aids in boosting cooking. It also helps multitask in the same time frame.
- The flame-adjusting knobs are made of premium metal to ensure frictionless rotation.
- The Hexa shape grid design pan supports are made of cast iron to provide adequate stability for cookware.
- The seamless design is sure to add an essence of elegance to your kitchen.
5. Glen 4 Burner Built-in Glass Hob 1074 SQ Double Brass Burners
- This is a 4-burner built-in hob top with the burners forged in brass.
- The hob top is finished with 8 mm thick toughened glass, which resists scratching and staining while cooking and is also resistant to impact and heat.
- The pan supports are strong and made of mild steel with vitreous enamel, which helps them support all kinds of pans.
- The elegant knobs are painted with Bakelite to resist heat.
- The Italian gas valves are exact and offer perfect flame control. They are designed to avoid any gas leakage or sim off.
- The hob top with integrated multi-spark auto ignition and matt steel drip tray is a good choice to consider when looking for built-in hob tops.
6. Hindware Smart Appliances | Ka Hob Ella Plus | Kitchen Hob | Designer Brass Burners | Auto Ignition | Ss Drip Tray | Cast Iron Pan Support | (3 Burner 75 Cm) - Black
- The hob top supports autoignition.
- It has 3 brass burners with enamel-coated stainless-steel drip trays.
- The pan supports are made of cast iron to support a range of vessels.
- The built-in hob top is finished with 8mm thick toughened glass to provide for easy maintenance.
- The metallic knobs impart a stylish look to the hob.
- This elegant built-in model will add a dash of panache to your kitchen and cooking experience.
7. Faber 75 cm Hob, 3 Burner, Auto Ignition (HOB HTG 753 CRS BR CI) Black
- The 3-burner hob top has cast iron pan supports to accommodate a variety of pots.
- The auto-ignition hob top can be used both as a countertop or built-in as per the user's requirements.
- The top is finished with toughened glass for added strength and has a glass edge protector.
- The knobs are designed to function smoothly and efficiently.
- The hob top has anti-leak technology for everyday use and is well-designed to add the required style to your kitchen.
8. Whirlpool Hob 4 Burner Auto Ignition Gas Stove (Elite Hybrid 704 Mt Ec Gas Hob), Tempered Glass
- This 4-burner hob top works with auto-ignition which is easy and quick.
- The hob has intellicook brass burners for high efficiency and multi-control flame levels.
- The knobs are made of heat-resistant materials to avoid heating up during long hours of cooking.
- The elegant hob top is enhanced with 6th sense technology.
- The hybrid burner can be used as a countertop or built-in module.
- The top is finished with heat-resistant toughened glass.
- The hob top is full of style and will add elegance and efficiency to your kitchen space.
9. Bosch Built in Gas Hob Black Tempered glass Glass 4 Burner Auto Ignition 60 cm Italian Double Ring Burners (PNH6B6B12I)
- This hob top with a black tempered glass top is an elegant choice for your kitchen.
- The tempered glass provides extra strength to the hob top and makes it scratch and corrosion-resistant.
- The flame control is using sword knobs which are ergonomically designed for maximum ease.
- It is equipped with a flame failure safety feature that cuts off the gas supply instantly in case the flame goes off.
- This low profile and auto-ignition hob top are easily accessible and quick to clean.
10. Elica Hob 4 Burner Auto Ignition Glass Top - 3 Mini Triple Ring Brass Burner and 1 Double Ring Brass Gas Stove (Flexi AB HCT 460)
- The hob top is equipped with 4 burners of varied sizes made in brass.
- The pan supports are enamel-coated and designed for maximum stability of the pots.
- The top is made durable due to the provision of stainless steel support plates.
- It ensures smooth manual functions with the help of super-stylish yet easy-to-operate knobs.
- The top is finished with premium-quality toughened glass, which ensures that the hob blends well with contemporary kitchen decor.
A kitchen hob is an essential commodity it makes total sense to gauge the products in the market carefully before settling in for the right one. For me, Bosch Built in Gas Hob Stainless Steel 5 Burner Silver PCS9A5C90I is a good option to consider both functionally and aesthetically. However, if you feel that any model can be added to the above list, please post your suggestions!
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