Joybuy Insights

Gas Hobs 2026: How to Choose the Right Built-In Hob for Your UK Kitchen

Replacing a hob is rarely just a matter of choosing a colour. The wrong gas hob can leave you short of cooking space, struggling to clean around fixed supports or facing unexpected installation costs. Before comparing prices, check the dimensions, burner layout, gas compatibility and safety specification.

This guide explains the practical differences between 60cm, 70cm, 75cm and 90cm models, then matches selected products to common household needs.

Common gas hob buying traps

1. Assuming the advertised width is the cut-out size

A 60cm gas hob may be approximately 590–600mm wide, but the worktop opening can be considerably smaller. For example, some models require a cut-out around 560mm wide by 480mm deep. A 75cm gas hob may still use a cut-out similar to a 60cm model, depending on its design, while a 90cm model generally needs a wider opening.

Always compare the appliance dimensions and the manufacturer’s installation diagram with your existing worktop before ordering.

2. Paying for extra burners without checking spacing

A 5 burner gas hob offers more flexibility, but five burners packed into a narrow surface may not comfortably accommodate five large pans. A 70cm or 75cm layout can provide a useful middle ground. A 90cm gas hob is more suitable for households regularly preparing several large pans, although it requires more worktop space.

Look at the burner positions, not only the burner count. A central wok burner can be useful for high-heat cooking, but it should not make adjacent pans difficult to position.

3. Treating stylish finishes as maintenance-free

A gas on glass hob gives a contemporary appearance and can be wiped clean after spills. However, tempered glass still needs careful handling: avoid impacts, abrasive cleaners and sudden temperature changes. A stainless steel gas hob can be more forgiving in a busy kitchen, although it may show water marks or cooking residue if not wiped regularly.

Also check whether the cast iron pan supports are removable and how they should be cleaned. Heavy supports provide stability but can be cumbersome to lift.

Core specifications to check before buying

Size and installation

  • 60cm gas hob: A common choice for standard UK kitchens and smaller worktops. Four burners are typical.
  • 70cm gas hob: Adds useful surface area and may accommodate five burners without requiring a full-size 90cm appliance.
  • 75cm gas hob: Often combines five burners with a wider layout, making it suitable for family cooking and larger pans.
  • 90cm gas hob: Provides more room for multi-pan cooking but requires a suitable worktop opening and adequate surrounding clearance.

A built-in gas hob must be installed according to the product instructions. Gas connections should be completed by an appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer in the UK. Some models also need an electrical supply for automatic ignition and flame safety systems.

Burner configuration and heat output

Burner labels such as auxiliary, semi-rapid, rapid and wok indicate their intended use. A small auxiliary burner is practical for simmering, while a rapid or triple-ring burner is designed for faster heating. A wok burner hob may use a double- or triple-ring flame to distribute heat across a larger pan base.

Check the stated kW output rather than relying on phrases such as “powerful” or “professional”. A higher output can help with boiling and searing, but everyday flexibility comes from having a suitable mix of burner sizes.

Safety and fuel compatibility

Look for a flame failure device, also called a flame safety device or FFD. It is designed to stop the gas supply if the flame is extinguished. This is an important safety feature, but it does not replace supervision or correct installation.

An automatic ignition gas hob lights the burner through an integrated spark when the control is turned or pressed, removing the need for matches. If your property uses bottled gas rather than mains natural gas, check whether the appliance is an LPG convertible gas hob and whether the required jets or conversion kit are included or sold separately.

Our Top Recommendations for 2026

MATCH FOR: Budget-Conscious Starters
Candy CHW6LBB 60cm 4 Burner Gas Hob, Black

Candy CHW6LBB 60cm 4 Burner Gas Hob, Black

Why This Fits Their Persona: A straightforward 60cm format suits first-time replacements, smaller kitchens and households wanting four cooking zones without moving to a wider worktop opening.

How It Avoids the Trap

Its standard-width format makes it easier to compare against common kitchen openings; verify the final cut-out and safety details for the exact variant before installation.

Key Advantage & Pros

Four burners, side-mounted rotary controls and removable pan supports are practical for everyday cooking.

MATCH FOR: Premium Quality Seekers
Haier HAVG75TBBP 75cm Gas on Glass Hob with Preci Flame - Black

Haier HAVG75TBBP 75cm Gas on Glass Hob with Preci Flame - Black

Why This Fits Their Persona: The 75cm black tempered glass surface and five-burner arrangement suit kitchen renovations where appearance, pan capacity and detailed flame adjustment all matter.

How It Avoids the Trap

The specification lists five burners, front controls, automatic ignition and a flame failure device on each burner, rather than relying only on styling claims.

Key Advantage & Pros

Includes a 5kW double-ring wok burner, nine stated flame settings per burner and cast iron supports.

MATCH FOR: Heavy Multi-Pan Users
CDA HG9351SS 90cm Five Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

CDA HG9351SS 90cm Five Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

Why This Fits Their Persona: Its wider stainless steel layout is aimed at large households, frequent entertaining and cooks who regularly use several substantial pans.

How It Avoids the Trap

The 90cm width provides more separation between five burners, but buyers must confirm the stated 86 x 48cm cut-out and available clearance.

Key Advantage & Pros

It has five burners, including a 5kW wok burner, electronic ignition, FFD protection and LPG/natural gas convertibility.

MATCH FOR: Practical Stainless Steel Buyers
CDA HG6151SS 60cm Four Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

CDA HG6151SS 60cm Four Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

Why This Fits Their Persona: This compact stainless steel model suits everyday family cooking where a familiar 60cm footprint and easy-to-maintain surface are priorities.

How It Avoids the Trap

Its published 56 x 48cm cut-out specification helps buyers check compatibility before purchasing, while the stainless steel finish avoids the need for a glass surface.

Key Advantage & Pros

Four burners include a triple-ring burner and simmer burner, with cast iron grates and flame failure protection on all burners.

Looking for More Options?

We have compiled a complete, real-time list of products that fully satisfy these strict selection criteria and UK safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions

Do gas hobs need professional installation in the UK?

Yes. Gas connections should be carried out by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. The installer should also check ventilation, clearances, gas type, electrical requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

How long can a gas hob last?

Lifespan depends on usage, cleaning and maintenance. Burner caps, pan supports and ignition components may need attention before the main hob surface. Keep burner ports clear, allow parts to cool before cleaning and replace damaged glass or supports rather than continuing to use them.

Are gas hobs expensive to run?

Running cost depends on the gas tariff, burner output, cooking time and how efficiently the flame is used. Match the pan size to the burner, keep the flame beneath the pan base and avoid leaving burners on while preparing ingredients. A wok burner can use more gas at full output, so it is most practical when high heat is genuinely needed.