Hobs: How to buy the best hob Ceramic hobs
How a ceramic hob works
Ceramic refers to the finish of the hob rather than the workings of the hob itself, and the streamlined and stylish look of ceramic glass along with the ease of use and wipe-clean facade make ceramic hobs a popular choice for modern kitchens.
While ceramic hobs have traditionally been electric-powered, ceramic induction hobs and gas glass hobs offer an alternative heating method.
Ceramic hobs are smooth surfaced - making them easy to clean
Ceramic hob pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Quick to heat up
- Stylish finish
Cons
- Can be more expensive than conventional electric or gas hobs
- Not good at evenly distributing heat
- Electric heat more difficult to control
Types of ceramic hob
Electric ceramic hob
Most ceramic hobs are electric-powered, making for a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to electric plate hobs, and more flexibility too. Our electric hobs page has pros and cons of choosing an electric hob.
Ceramic induction hob
Ceramic glass can give induction hobs a high-end finish - and induction heating is more efficient than electric. See our induction hobs page for more information.
Gas ceramic hob (gas glass hob)
Gas glass hobs are effectively gas ceramic hobs - combining the controllability of gas with the easy-to-clean advantage of electric cooking. See our gas glass hobs page for more information.
Ceramic hob brands and typical prices
Ceramic hobs are widely available from a range of household names, including Bosch, Stoves, AEG Electrolux, Indesit, Smeg and Zanussi.
Prices start at around £200 for a basic, shop own-brand ceramic hob, going up to around £2,000 for a top-of-the-range premium model. Starting prices for gas glass or ceramic induction hobs are higher.
Ceramic hob test results coming soon
We're currently putting several ceramic hobs through their paces, testing them for ease of use, heat control, speed and ease of cleaning - full test score results coming soon.
In the meantime you can take a look at our reviews of the latest built-in ovens, freestanding cookers and range cookers and keep an eye out for new hob launches and innovations in our daily news section.
