The kitchen hobs have been an integral part of every kitchen for hundreds of years. Along with the oven, they are responsible for everything that is cooked and smells delicious, from classic recipes of every grandmother to the kitchens of the most expensive restaurants. But which one is ideal for your space and how will you make the right choice?

➡ Before we answer the above questions, don't forget that with purchase through Skroutz you have:

• Free delivery to your floor (yes, even to the 5th).
• Free return in case you change your mind.
• 2-year warranty for any eventuality (repair, replacement, or refund) and you have peace of mind.
• After-sales support for anything you need after your purchase.

In short, you buy without stress.

Now, let's take a detailed look at everything to clear up any questions you may have!

1. Type

The options are literally thousands, and naturally, there are quite a few different types available to choose from!

So, what are the different and most common types of kitchen hobs?

Ceramic | For economy

These hobs have resistors, which are located under the ceramic coating. They produce immediate heat, offer quick cooking times, and lower energy consumption, which makes them an extremely economical choice. As for their cleanliness, it is quite easy, but special care is needed, as the glass surface can be scratched. They are ideal for students, singles, and couples, as well as for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing option at an affordable price.

However, be careful, because when the hob is turned off, it remains hot for quite some time!

Induction | For Safety

They may look like ceramic hobs, but they work very differently! Beneath the induction coating there are magnets that heat the cookware directly. Induction hobs offer faster heating and improved thermal efficiency, while being particularly safe, since as soon as the cookware is removed they cool down immediately. However, they require special cookware for induction hobs, designed exclusively for use with them, something you should take into account before buying. In addition, like ceramic hobs, they are very easy to clean thanks to their glass surface, while they are ideal for homes with small children and spaces with a minimal or modern design.

Natural Gas/Propane | For Temperature Control

These cooktops operate with a flame and require connection to a gas supply, either through a propane bottle, e.g., propane, or a fixed natural gas line. If there is no fixed supply line, you should also consider this as an additional cost. However, it is a more economical option, making cooking faster, while giving you complete control over the flame intensity. Additionally, they do not limit you to specific types of cookware, and the flame embraces the outer walls of the cookware for more efficient cooking. They are ideal for those seeking a more industrial aesthetic or wanting to become a master chef in their kitchen.

Enamel | For Durability

These hobs are made from enamel, a durable glossy material applied to metal surfaces, protecting and enhancing the durability of the hobs. They are suitable for intensive use and high temperatures, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion. They are a more classic choice, making them ideal for homes with a vintage aesthetic.

Beyond the above types, we can also encounter a combination of these for a complete cooking experience.

SkroutzTip: When it comes to cooking, it goes without saying that you can make anything on any type of stove you choose. However, some types have an advantage over others due to their operation, such as cooking in a wok or deep frying, which require high heat intensity, are better done on gas stoves, while dishes that require a long cooking time, such as stews, casseroles, and soups, benefit from the continuous and stable heat offered by induction and ceramic stoves. 

2. Number of burners

Depending on the number of people in a household or any extra needs, you can find appliances with a different number of burners. The number of people is often proportionally related to the number of cooking zones on a hob, however this does not necessarily always apply in every case. Let’s take a more specific look at them.

• Hobs with one burner can cover the basic needs of one person or be used as an extra source in large households or holiday homes.
• Hobs with two burners, also known as domino hobs, are ideal for students or couples who do not cook often, as well as for kitchens with limited space. They can also be useful in professional spaces (companies, offices) that want to provide this option.
• Hobs with three burners usually adequately cover the needs of a couple and the basic needs of a small family that does not cook often.
• The classic hobs with four burners make up the majority of the category and are the most common solution for any household, as they can cover the cooking needs of an average family on a daily basis. They offer flexibility and convenience.
• Finally, there are also some hobs with five burners or more, which are suitable for large households of more than 6 people, as well as for semi-professional spaces, such as a spreadable products production workshop.

3. Extra features

Now that we have seen some of the most basic features, let’s also look at a few additional ones that will help you choose the right cooktop for your kitchen.

• An independent cooktop offers the ability to operate on its own, without the need to be connected to an oven. It includes its own controls or control panel for independent operation.

Attention! If you choose a non-independent cooktop, you will need to have or purchase a compatible oven.

• Some more premium options even feature a built-in extractor hood on their surface, thus covering the needs of kitchens that do not have the possibility of installing a separate extractor hood above the cooktops. Cooktops with extractor hood are also ideal for spaces with a more minimal aesthetic or for open-plan living room-kitchen areas. The extractor hood is usually located in the center of the appliance and immediately absorbs odors, smoke, and steam.
• Even cooktops have smart functions! Smart cooktops, therefore, allow connection to a mobile device for remote control and adjustment from anywhere. 
• Cooktops with a timer provide the ability to set the operating time for greater savings, as well as safety in case a burner is left on.
• For greater safety, choose cooktops with a lock function, so that a burner does not turn on by accident from small or even...older users. And you can have peace of mind!
• Finally, you can choose among other options such as inox cooktops or cooktops with a frame, depending on the style and aesthetics of your space.

4. Cleaning

And when cooking is over, it’s time (which you definitely don’t want) to clean up! That’s why you should choose hobs that offer easy and quick cleaning. Don’t forget! Clean the hobs every time you use them, so it’s easier for you, while also ensuring a longer lifespan for your appliance. 

Once the burners have cooled down, clean them with a damp cleaning cloth or a kitchen sponge. Of course, this applies to easy stains. In case food has burned on or spilled, you will need a little more scrubbing and possibly a special grease-removing liquid.

For ceramic and induction hobs, most of the time you will also find in the package a special hob scraper for very stubborn and difficult stains. Always make sure to read the appliance’s instructions for use, so you can clean efficiently, effectively, and without risking any part of it, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations!

5. Dimensions

Finally, the dimensions of the hobs you will buy play a very important role, and specifically the built-in dimensions. This is something the technician who will come to do the installation will definitely ask you, so make sure you have checked them in advance. On Skroutz, you can find this information in the side filters on the category page, as well as in the technical specifications on each product’s page.

Find more information about the installation and connection services, which we offer at Skroutz!

Don't forget! By taking into account the above individual characteristics and combining those that suit your needs, you can arrive at the ideal choice for you. Before deciding, you can also take a look at the reviews of other users, to see their opinions and experiences, which can help you reach a final decision much more easily.

Finally, you can also take a look at the guide with the top choices for cooktops, where you will find the best ones based on user feedback.