These appliances generally hover around the 60 cm width mark, but they can go up to 90 cm too. If you aren’t fitting a new kitchen, then you will need to take into account the dedicated space which already exists. Many gas hobs give you the option to tailor the exact power each setting gives you, but with this NEFF model, precision is key. There are nine FlameSelect levels to choose from – great if you want the power of gas but the ease of electric. We also loved the Keep Warm option, which will regulate the temperature of your food so it doesn’t cook further but is kept hot until ready. And if you feel you’ll miss the glow of the gas flame, Virtual Flame Technology™ uses LEDs to reproduce a real gas glow – a nice little extra touch. There are four cooking zones, each with nine power settings which makes boiling, frying, simmering and everything in between easier than ever. The layout of all the hobs is spacious, so you can move the pans about without disturbing anything else cooking.

The residual power indicator tells you what heat level the hob is currently at, whether you have it turned up full or have since turned it off and need to monitor as it cools down. Once the number is away, it is cool to touch. Four burners or cooking zones is the norm, but some models have up to eight. A popular addition for many gas models is an extra large wok burner, usually situated in the centre of the space, which is perfect if you often make stir fries and other dedicated cuisines. There is a FlexZone+ area, a zone which you can make larger to accommodate big pans such as woks or long frying pans which otherwise wouldn’t fit. It is also great for smaller milk pans or those little single frying egg pans, as it will also go smaller too. You will also make use of the Low Temperature setting, which is ideal for melting butter and chocolate or preparing sauces without risk of burning.You are pretty flexible over which type of pan you use on your hob, except if you choose an induction. For this, you need pots and pans with a magnetised base. This is because heat is transferred to the bases as opposed to the pan using the heat of the hob. They are often made from stainless steel, enamelled steel or cast iron, so aluminium, copper or ceramic isn’t appropriate. Sliding controls give you an incredibly modern experience. Using the touch screen, simply turn the chosen hob on and then turn up the heat. Reducing the temperature is easy when the time comes, too. It can also detect a pan when in place, so if you just press the temperature control, it knows that’s the one to turn on.

If you’re choosing gas, place it away from a window as any draughts can extinguish flames. It is also dangerour to lean over any hob to open a window. Getting A Good Deal While there are four cooking zones, one of these is an extra large rectangular space. It is split into two but designed to accommodate larger pans or grill devices. Both sections can be used simultaneously. No more having to centralise foods in the pan to get the heat or cook in batches. One of the more pricey induction hobs on our list, but at the end of the day you’re making an investment. You want something which will last for years, while never being frustrating to use and giving fabulous results. This is a good bet, and certainly for those who want their hob to be a centre piece.Not only are they well-spaced, but the stable pan supports will ensure they all remain firmly in place, so there are no accidents. There is a free choice of heat settings, so if you like to have full flexibility and control over your creations, then the flame will respond to your adjustments.