You don’t want to end up stuck with a hob that’s slow to cook, hard to clean or worse, unsafe. If you’re buying a cooker hob in Sri Lanka, focus on three things: safety, burners, and controls. These matter the most for daily use and long-term performance.
What’s the best safety feature for a cooker hob?
The most important safety feature is the flame failure device. It cuts off gas flow if the flame goes out, which stops leaks and reduces fire risk.
You’ll usually find this feature in modern gas hobs. Without it, gas keeps flowing even when the flame dies, which is a serious danger. If you’ve got kids or elderly people at home, this is non-negotiable.
Other good safety features include:
Auto shut-off sensors
Some hobs shut off when they sense overheating or if no pot is detected on induction zones. These are common on electric or hybrid models.
Child lock controls
Touch control hobs often come with a lock button that freezes the panel. It keeps kids from turning things on by accident.
Heat indicators
Electric hobs often stay hot even after being turned off. Look for models with light indicators that show if the surface is still hot. Simple but effective.
What type of burners are best?
The best burners are the ones that match how often you cook, what you cook, and how fast you want it done.
Most people do well with two big burners and one or two smaller ones. This gives flexibility when you’re boiling pasta, simmering soup or reheating leftovers.
Gas, electric, or induction?
- Gas burners are fast, give you flame control, and are great for Indian, Chinese or stir-fry cooking.
- Electric coil burners are old-school but cheap. They take longer to heat up and cool down.
- Induction burners heat only the pan using magnets. They’re fast, safe, and easy to clean, but only work with steel or iron pans.
Burner material and finish
Go for brass or aluminium alloy for gas burners. Brass lasts longer and spreads heat better. Alloy is cheaper but wears out faster. For glass tops, check for toughened or heat-resistant glass that won’t crack under high heat.
Which control style is better?
Knob controls are better for gas hobs, while touch controls suit electric or induction models.
Knobs are easy to use, especially for the elderly. Touch panels look cleaner and are easier to wipe, but they need dry hands and sometimes delay commands.
Ignition system
Go for auto-ignition if you don’t want to deal with matchsticks or lighters. Good models spark as soon as you turn the knob. Avoid ones that click too many times before lighting. It means the battery or mechanism is weak.
Ease of use and cleaning
Big knobs with clear markings make a difference. Look for hobs where the burners aren’t too close to each other. That way, large pots don’t fight for space. Sealed burners help keep spills from getting inside. On touch panels, go for flat designs with no raised edges or dips where grime collects.
Quick guide: What to check before buying
Here’s a table to quickly compare what to look for:
| Feature | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Safety | Flame failure device, child lock, heat indicators |
| Burner Type | Gas, electric, induction |
| Burner Count | At least 3-4 burners for daily use |
| Burner Material | Brass for long life, alloy for budget |
| Surface Material | Toughened glass or stainless steel |
| Controls | Knobs or touch, based on what suits your setup |
| Auto Ignition | Instant lighting with minimal clicks |
| Cleaning & Layout | Spaced burners, sealed tops, flat control panels |
What hobs suits who?
If you live alone or rarely cook, a 2-burner electric or induction hob is enough. It’s easy to clean and safe if you forget to switch it off.
If you’ve got a family or cook often, go for a 4-burner gas hob with auto-ignition and a flame failure device. Brass burners and a wide layout will make cooking fast and less stressful.
For apartments with strict ventilation rules, induction hobs are better. There’s no open flame, and you won’t overheat your kitchen.
Wrap-up
If you’re choosing a hobs, stick to the basics. Safety features first. Burners that match how you cook. Controls that don’t annoy you. Don’t get distracted by brand noise or looks. A good hobs is one you barely notice—because it just works, every time you cook.