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Gas Hobs Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Hob for Your UK Kitchen

Replacing a hob can look straightforward until you discover that the wrong size, gas type or pan-support design creates installation problems. A stylish surface is not enough: the appliance must suit your worktop cut-out, cookware, cooking habits and available gas supply.

This guide explains the practical details to check before buying gas hobs, including 60cm gas hob, 75cm gas hob and 90cm gas hob options.

Common Gas Hob Buying Traps

1. Confusing overall width with cut-out size

A hob described as 60cm wide may have an actual product width of around 590–600mm, while the worktop cut-out can be approximately 560mm wide. Larger appliances can also have different recess requirements. For example, a 90cm model may need a cut-out of around 860 × 480mm.

Always compare:

  • Product width and depth
  • Cut-out width and depth
  • Worktop thickness requirements
  • Minimum distance from walls and overhead cupboards
  • Clearance between the hob and cooker hood

Never assume that a “standard” measurement will fit an existing opening. Check the installation manual before ordering and ask your installer to confirm compatibility.

2. Paying for burners you cannot use comfortably

A 5 burner gas hob offers more cooking zones, but additional burners can make the surface feel crowded if the layout is poorly suited to your pans. A wide wok burner may also restrict the space available for neighbouring cookware.

For many flats, rental properties and smaller family kitchens, a 4 burner gas hob provides practical multi-pan cooking without requiring a larger worktop cut-out. A 75cm or 90cm model is more suitable where you regularly use several large pans at once.

3. Assuming every safety or ignition feature is included

Some listings use general descriptions such as “automatic lighting” or “safety shut-off” without clearly confirming how each burner is protected. Look for a named flame failure safety device, which is designed to stop the gas supply if the flame goes out. Automatic ignition is also useful, but it normally requires an electrical connection.

Check the product specification for:

  • Automatic or push-button ignition
  • Flame failure protection on all burners
  • Natural gas compatibility
  • LPG conversion details and whether a kit is included
  • Electrical connection requirements

Gas installation and connection work must be completed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer in the UK.

Core Specifications to Compare

Size and burner configuration

A 60cm gas hob is a common replacement size and usually provides four burners. It is a sensible option for everyday cooking, smaller kitchens and standard worktops.

A 75cm gas hob can provide five burners while remaining more compact than many 90cm designs. This size may suit families and home cooks who need extra flexibility but do not want a very wide appliance.

A 90cm gas hob creates more separation between pans and can be useful for large households or frequent batch cooking. It requires more worktop space and may involve a more substantial installation project.

Look for a sensible mix of burner sizes, such as:

  • Auxiliary burner for gentle simmering
  • Semi-rapid burners for everyday saucepans
  • Rapid burner for boiling
  • Wok burner for high-heat stir-frying

Surface and pan supports

A stainless steel gas hob is a familiar, practical choice and can tolerate the demands of everyday cooking. It may show splashes or marks, so regular wiping is important.

A black glass gas hob offers a contemporary appearance and a smooth surface that can be wiped clean. However, tempered glass still needs careful handling. Avoid impacts, dragging cookware and sudden temperature changes.

Cast iron pan supports provide a stable base for heavier cookware. They are durable, but their weight can make cleaning less convenient than lighter enamelled supports. Removable supports are preferable because they allow access to the surface beneath.

Gas type, ignition and installation

Most domestic appliances are supplied for natural gas, with some models offering LPG convertible gas hob compatibility through supplied or separately purchased jets. Confirm the fuel type before purchase, particularly for properties using bottled LPG.

A gas hob with automatic ignition normally needs an electrical supply, often through a suitable fused connection. The exact requirement varies by model. Do not use an extension lead or unsuitable plug arrangement unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.

Our Top Recommendations by Household Profile

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: Its standard-width format and four-burner layout suit first-time buyers, rental upgrades and everyday family meals.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listed dimensions and approximately 560mm cut-out width make it easier to compare with a common UK worktop opening. Confirm the exact variant before installation.

Key Advantage & Pros

Four burners, rotary controls and removable pan supports provide a straightforward cooking setup.

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: This 75cm gas-on-glass design suits kitchen renovators wanting a contemporary finish alongside five cooking zones.

How It Avoids the Trap

The specification clearly lists automatic ignition, a flame failure device on each burner and LPG conversion availability. Check whether the conversion kit is sold separately.

Key Advantage & Pros

Five burners, a listed 5kW double-ring wok burner and cast iron pan supports provide flexible cookware placement.

MATCH FOR: Specific Use-Case/Heavy Users
CDA HG9351SS 90cm Five Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

CDA HG9351SS 90cm Five Burner Gas Hob, Stainless Steel

Why This Fits Their Persona: The wider cooking surface is designed for large households, batch cooking and users who regularly operate several substantial pans.

How It Avoids the Trap

Its 90cm width is stated clearly, while the 86 × 48cm cut-out specification helps prevent mistakes when planning a larger worktop opening.

Key Advantage & Pros

It has five burners, a listed 5kW wok burner, electronic ignition and flame failure protection on all burners.

MATCH FOR: Everyday Gas Cooking Fans
Haier HAVG6BF4TBPB Series 4 60cm Gas on Glass Hob with Preci Flame - Black

Haier HAVG6BF4TBPB Series 4 60cm Gas on Glass Hob with Preci Flame - Black

Why This Fits Their Persona: It combines a familiar 60cm footprint with a modern black finish for kitchens where space and appearance both matter.

How It Avoids the Trap

The specification identifies four burners, a 560 × 480mm cut-out, automatic ignition and flame failure protection, rather than leaving key details implied.

Key Advantage & Pros

Nine listed flame settings, black cast iron supports and a 7.2kW total power specification support controlled daily cooking.

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.

Installation and Running Considerations

Gas hobs need adequate ventilation and correct clearances around combustible materials. The appliance should be installed according to its manual, with the gas connection completed by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. If automatic ignition or flame failure protection requires electricity, a qualified electrician may also be needed.

Running cost depends on the gas tariff, burner power, cooking duration and how efficiently the pan transfers heat. A lid, correctly sized pan and flame kept beneath the pan base can reduce wasted energy. A higher kW rating does not automatically mean lower cooking costs; it generally indicates greater heat output when that burner is operating.

Gas Hobs FAQs

Are gas hobs suitable for LPG in the UK?

Some models are convertible to LPG, but compatibility varies. Check whether LPG jets or a conversion kit are included, whether they are sold separately and whether the appliance is approved for your gas supply. Conversion must be completed by a suitably qualified professional.

How long should a gas hob last?

Service life depends on build quality, frequency of use, cleaning and installation. Burner caps, ignition components and pan supports may need attention before the main hob. Keep the appliance clean, avoid blocking burner ports and arrange professional servicing if ignition or flame behaviour changes.

Is a 60cm or 75cm gas hob more practical?

A 60cm model is generally easier to fit into a compact kitchen and commonly provides four burners. A 75cm gas hob can offer five burners and more separation between pans, but it requires careful measurement. Choose according to your available worktop, cookware sizes and usual number of pans rather than burner count alone.