So, you’re in the market for a new hob – but how do you choose? After all, there’s so much choice out there, from classic designs to state-of-the-art induction hobs, including the latest extractor hobs.
First of all, of course, you have to settle the age-old (and hotly debated) question of what type of hob you’re going for. Gas? Induction? A combination of the two?
The latest innovation in induction hobs is also one of the most popular kitchen features you can now get your hands on. I am, of course, talking about a hob with integrated downdraft extractor. Sounds nifty, right?
Apart from looking super elegant, a hob with extractor also have the benefit of not obstructing any sight lines, which makes them ideal for an island.
Plus, as extractor hobs draw grease and any odours straight from the source (rather than letting them rise up first), unpleasant smells don’t even get the chance to linger. Clever, right? Not to mention incredibly useful in open-plan spaces – you don’t want this particular leftover from dinner to overstay its welcome while you and your guests kick back on the sofa.
But with so many different types of extractor hob out there, what is actually available?
Here are some of the hobs with built-in extractors I’ve spotted…
Smeg’s HOBD482D, £1899, is an extractor and hob combination with an easy-to-use LED slider control for all four flexible zones, which can be converted into two large Multizones. It also includes automatic pot detection.
Good ventilation is key when cooking in an open space, so opt for a smart induction hob with an extractor. ONE Pro vented downdraft induction hob, £3299, Novy.
Fancy an intelligent hob? Try the N 90 T59TS5RN0 induction hob, £1589, from Neff with its clever and removable TwistPad Fire control for flexible multi-zone cooking.
The Bora X Pure, from £3096, is a stylish induction hob with an integrated recirculation and downdraft extraction unit that adjusts automatically to the ventilation level needed. It offers four oversized cooking zones and fits flush to the worktop or can be surface mounted.
The iQ700 EX877LX67E studioLine 80cm venting induction hob from Siemens, £3249, has a flexInduction cooking area, which means you can either use separate zones or link them together to suite large pans. It also has flexMotion technology, which remembers the heat setting for individual pans – so if you move a pot from one zone to the other, the hob automatically switches to the right temperature. Plus, the Wifi-enabled hob can communicate with Siemens’ Home Connect app, for example to send you a notification when it’s time to change the filter.
Offering a whole host of functions, CDA’s HNE8 extraction hob, £1947, is suitable for any type of cooking. A safety key lock ensures the hob can’t be switched on accidentally, but can also be used to prevent accidental temperature changes when in use. The small object detection works in a similar way – if a towel or cutlery is left on the control panel, the hob will shut off. It offers nine power levels and four extractor speeds.
With a maximum noise level of 60dB, Pando‘s E391 extraction hob, around £2095, also has a slimline design, which allows for drawers that are up to 50cm deep to be placed directly below. The bridging function enables you to link cooking zones, so you can use larger pans. Plus, it comes in three versions: one recirculating model and two ducted out designs, so you can find the one that suits your space best.
Franke‘s Mythos 2gether extraction hob, £2135, features four flexible cooking zones with a flush-fitted enamelled cast-iron grille, so you can slide pans from A to B without obstruction. The extractor offers three speeds plus two intensive settings as well as low noise levels, thanks to a brushless motor.
