I am thrilled to bits with this hob . It has a physics degree all of its own but is simplicity to use! My model is the ET6124, the 60cm rimless black ceramic hob, not the version with the stainless steel edging. It has induction power to four hob areas, two small, two large. Induction means the only pans heat up rather than the surface of the hob. It looks super streamlined and modern and fits in an ordinary worktop like any other hob, with cabling to the electricity supply. Mine replaces a conventional built in electric hob with four solid rings.
* Controls: The power switches are integral to the surface in an easy-to-use touch control panel on the front right hand side. There are on and off 'switches', four blobs corresponding to the heat areas (which light up with the power level you set), a + and - panel to control the heat levels, a timer control and a power boost control.
* Speed: The heat is instantaneous, therefore energy saving, and down/goes off as fast. It is really easy to go from a full boil to a gentle simmer kin seconds. The power range goes from 1 - 9 (no, not 11, Spinal Tap fans!) and 5 gives a great simmer. One large ring has a power boost to 3kw - great for a vat of soup.
* Safety: After use you get some residual heat on the hob surface but It is safer than a conventional hob of any kind because as soon as you reduce/switch off the power, the heat source goes off. A red light - in the shape of a letter 'H' - warns for as long as the hob is holding the heat from the pan. If you forget to switch off a ring it does it automatically after a set time (described in the instruction book). For someone who was always forgetting to switch off rings, or burning myself while wiping up a mess, it is a godsend. I've touched the surface after use and it's not hot enough to burn the skin. There is a child lock to prevent anyone who shouldn't from switching on the hob.
* Timer: Each ring, and I didn't realise this until I read the instruction book, has its own timer which can be set to switch off at anything from 1 - 99 minutes later. This is fantastic for cooking rice, soup etc as you can leave the kitchen without any fear forgetting about the pan!
* Utensils: Induction power will only work on bases which are magnetic so I did have to buy some new pans. My Stellar stainless steel pans were fine but I had to get rid of other stainless steel pans. Cast iron works, but not aluminium or copper. Test the bases of your pans using a fridge magnet before buying such a hob - and take the magnet when you shop for new pans!
* Cleaning: Because the surface of the hob itself doesn't get hot, so far nothing has got stuck and made a mess. I wipe off any splashes with a damp cloth after use then dry over with a teatowel to bring the shine back.
I would recommend this hob to anyone who wants an ultra safe, energy efficient and good looking appliance with really easy controls. Induction hobs are considerably more expensive than conventional electric or gas hobs but I'd say they are worth it.
I was delighted with the communication, product and overall service from the online supplier - Appliance Deals - who were much cheaper than any other online company, and £220 less than a famous department store. I paid £379 with free delivery. Ordering was simplicity itself and allowed you to say when you wanted delivery. Email confirmation was received quickly. The company phoned that evening to confirm (and try, unsuccessfully, to sell me an insurance package but were very nice when I firmly said no) and told me I would get another phone call the evening before the due date giving a four-hour delivery slot. Sure enough, I got the phone call and was then told the driver would phone 30-60 minutes before arrival to further advise time. This was also done.
The company asks you to examine the goods before signing and the driver unpacked the wrappings so that I could verify there was no damage.
* This company is the appliances supplier behind retailers such as Sainsbury and Boots but at the time I bought (Nov 07) was offering free delivery on orders over £250 so it was £20 cheaper to buy direct.
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