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Built in Hobs: Your essential buying guide
Measure the overall space on your worktop and, most importantly, the cut-out size required for the hob. If you are replacing an existing built in hob, compare the new model’s installation dimensions with the current opening, and check there is suitable clearance around and beneath it.
The right type depends on your kitchen setup and cooking style. Gas hobs offer visible flame control, ceramic hobs have a smooth electric surface, and induction hobs heat compatible pans using magnetic technology. Always check your home has the correct gas or electrical connection before narrowing your choice.
Four zones or burners suit many everyday kitchens, but smaller domino-style hobs can work well where space is limited, while wider hobs may suit larger households or more varied cooking. Think about the pans you use most often and whether you regularly cook several dishes at once.
Many kitchens place a built in hob above an oven, but compatibility depends on the specific hob, oven and cabinetry. Check the installation guidance for ventilation, clearance and power or gas requirements before pairing appliances.
Useful points to compare include touch or rotary controls, pan supports, residual heat indicators, timer functions, child locks, easy-clean surfaces and the layout of zones or burners. These details can make a big difference to daily use as well as how the hob fits your kitchen.
A built in hob should fit your worktop, match your cooking habits and work with the services already available in your kitchen. Use ShopSmarty to compare options by size, style, fuel type and features so you can shortlist models that suit your space.
Built in hobs are designed to be fitted into a worktop, so installation measurements are just as important as the overall width. Check the cut-out dimensions, depth beneath the worktop and any clearance requirements around nearby walls, cabinets or splashbacks.
If you are replacing an old hob, do not rely on the visible top size alone. Two hobs with similar widths may need different cut-outs, so compare the product dimensions carefully before you commit.
Gas built in hobs need a suitable gas connection and are often chosen by shoppers who like instant visual control. Electric ceramic hobs provide a flat glass surface, while induction hobs are designed for fast, responsive cooking with compatible magnetic pans.
Your existing connections may narrow the choice, especially in a replacement kitchen. If changing from one fuel type to another, factor in the work that may be needed to make the installation safe and suitable.
Look at how the cooking zones or burners are arranged, not just how many there are. A practical layout should leave enough space for the pans you use most often, especially if you regularly cook with large frying pans, woks or stock pots.
Controls also affect everyday convenience. Front controls can be easy to reach, side controls may feel more familiar on some gas hobs, and touch controls can help keep a smooth surface simple to wipe down.
A built in hob is often chosen alongside a separate oven, giving you flexibility over where each appliance sits in the kitchen. When comparing, consider the finish and width so the hob feels visually consistent with the rest of your cooking area.
If you are planning more than a hob replacement, it can help to compare related cooking appliances at the same time to keep sizes, styles and installation needs aligned.
Smooth ceramic and induction surfaces are generally straightforward to wipe, while gas hobs vary by pan support design and burner layout. Consider how often you cook, how much splatter you deal with and how easy the surface will be to keep tidy.
Safety features can include residual heat indicators, control locks, flame failure devices on gas models and automatic switch-off functions. Availability varies by model, so compare the details that matter most for your household.
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