The 10 Best Solid Plate Hobs

We reviewed dozens of solid plate hobs and listed the 10 best options

Jen Hammond

Last updated on April 14, 2022

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    In this review, our experts have listed our top 10 solid plate hobs for 2022. Solid plate hobs may not be as on-trend as their newer and more modern counterparts. However, there are still some good solid plate hobs on the market, top manufacturers are still producing them and there is a demand from UK homeowners.

    If you need to replace your hob then there are some good choices to suit those with smaller budgets as we have identified in our 10 best solid hobs review. We’ve considered the design, efficiency, number of zones, price and other unique features which make them worthy of our favourites list.

    The Top Contenders of 2022

    1.
    Cookology SEP600BK

    The 10 Best Solid Plate Hobs 5The 10 Best Solid Plate Hobs 6

    If you’re the sort of foodie who’s looking for a simple upgrade to your old hob system, this modern alternative is likely to be a solid choice to put at the top of your shopping list. Cookology’s leading solid plate hob system emulates much of what you’d expect from modern cooktops, though there are also a few cunning tricks up its sleeve which are well worth holding out for.
    This is a four zone hob system which will give you a wide range of power to cook on, as well as a red dot hob which gives you quicker cooking prowess. It’s not quite at induction speeds, but for those who want to stick to the simpler standards will likely find this product particularly appealing. It’s a what you see is what you get type model – and that’s absolutely fine by us.
    This is a hob model that’s easy to control and shouldn’t be too much of a hassle for those kitchen owners who already know their way around simple cooktops. It’s an affordable replacement for any hobs which may be on their last legs, though you’ll need an electrician to help you install it.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)4.0 x (W)58.0 x (D)50.0cm
    • Warranty: 1 year
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric

    Reasons to Buy

    • Nice and simple - what you see is what you get
    • Very affordable, great as a replacement
    • Red dot cooking available
    • Four different hob zones

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Fairly basic - not the most feature-rich

    2.
    Zanussi ZEE3922IXA

    Zanussi ZEE3922IXA

    Two zone plates make sense for anyone who doesn’t need much space, and this option is certainly no fuss.
    It has a smart stainless steel finish so there is a good chance it will match your existing cooking appliances. The control panel and power indicators are situated at the front of the unit so it is safe to use, and if there is a spillage, the base is smooth so it can be cleared once cool.
    As it is part of the Domino range, you can mix and match if you want to really personalise your cooking space. From matching larger appliances to the ability to create a cooking area which is a bit different, it gives you the flexibility to make your own cooking centre.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: H3 x W29 x D51cm
    • Power Range: 1 to 1.5kW
    • Number of Zones: 2

    Reasons to Buy

    • Simple to adjust heat
    • Good difference in hob sizes

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Heat indicator is yellow so can be hard to see in some lights

    4.
    Essentials CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Hob

    Essentials CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Hob

    The clue is in the name, this essential kitchen appliance comes with four zones, easy to use controls and simple installation. This solid hob surface comes with lots of power and also comes equipped with a heat indicator for safety.
    It’s easy to integrate this built-in hob into your kitchen, it comes with stainless steel and not only is it durable, it is also a stylish design.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)5.4 x (W)58.0 x (D)51.0
    • Power Range: 1 to 2.1kW
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric
    • 1 Year Warranty

    Reasons to Buy

    • It heats up fast and can reach 2.1kW
    • Made from steel and has a robust design
    • Super stylish
    • Easy to clean finish

    Reasons to Avoid

    • You must maintain the surface to ensure no discolouring

    5.
    Smeg Cucina SE435S

    Smeg Cucina SE435S

    This solid plate hob might not look like much, but it’s a sturdy and powerful solution that’s ideal for a family home. It comes equipped with four burners and is capable of reaching heat almost instantly, which is pretty good going for a solid plate electric model.
    Smeg are known for providing quality kitchen appliances and they have showcased their know-how in this Cucina solid plate electric hob – it heats up super-quick and it is simple to use.
    It isn’t all singing, all dancing, it is a straight-up heat machine that will provide your kitchen with meal after meal, this work horse is available at a great price and is sure to last.
    Enjoy easy to use controls, simple dials and heat that can reach 2kW.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)4.0 x (W)58.0 x (D)50.0cm
    • Power Range: 1 to 2kW
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric

    Reasons to Buy

    • It heats up super-fast, reducing the waiting time
    • It has four zones
    • Easy to use
    • Reliable

    Reasons to Avoid

    • One of the more expensive picks
    • Isn’t the most stylish design

    6.
    Hotpoint E320SKIX

    Hotpoint E320SKIX

    If you’re just after a two zone hob because of a shortage of space, or because you just need a bit of extra space on special occasions, then this Hotpoint is a very easy addition.
    It is just 30cm wide, but still packs a punch. The zones are a really good size for standard pans, and both control dials are situated at the front of the unit so it is safe to control without leaning over. You get six different heat levels with each zone, and warning lights let you know whether the hob is on or not at a glance.
    To round it off, the stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean and the actual zones are sturdy in case you’re worried about scratches and scuffs.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: H3 x W29.8 x D51cm
    • Power Range: 1.5 to 2kW
    • Number of Zones: 2

    Reasons to Buy

    • Well priced
    • Six heat options

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Not very powerful

    7.
    Beko HIZE64101WX

    Beko HIZE64101WX

    The Belko HIZW64101X is a simple, affordable solid plate hob. It has a traditional and simple design makes hob cooking a doddle with good heat distribution making it economical and cost-effective to run.

    We feel this is really good value solid hob for those on a budget and it would be ideal for landlords with rental properties or to get you out of a tight hole if you need a new hob urgently but are undecided on which hob to buy, maybe you are considering upgrading to an induction hob but need to do further research first or, would like to save up a little before buying your dream hob.

    It will last many years and comes with a 2 year guarantee. We particularly like this model for its ease to use and temperature-responsive dial controls which running down the right-hand side of the hob providing complete control over your cooking.


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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)7.1 x (W)58.0 x (D)51.0
    • Cooking zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric
    • Power Levels: 6

    Reasons to Buy

    • Easy to install
    • A great budget solid palate hob
    • Plates are quick to heat up
    • Clear and easy to use dial controls

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Some may think it's a little too simple

    8.
    SIA PHP601BL

    The 10 Best Solid Plate Hobs 7The 10 Best Solid Plate Hobs 8

    This classic-looking hob offers modern tech wrapped up in a relatively simple package. Great as a replacement system for any older hobs which you may need to swap out, SIA’s leading solid plate system is easy to manage, clean and work with across the board. It’s also impressively well-priced, meaning that you shouldn’t need to break the bank to invest in it.
    What many people will find appealing about this solid plate hob is the fact that the controls are well out of the way of cooking. They are off to the side, which means that there’s no risk of you accidentally knocking anything while cooking. It’s an ergonomically designed hob which keeps things nice and simple, and has a few cooking settings and features to help keep things interesting.
    This solid plate hob is likely to be a great swap-in for anyone who simply needs a new set of hobs, and who doesn’t want to have to invest in a whole new cooker. It’s well worth taking a closer look at.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: W580 x D500 x H76
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric

    Reasons to Buy

    • Dial controls set to the side
    • Surface is easy to wipe clean
    • Nice and simple in design and control
    • Very well-priced

    Reasons to Avoid

    • May not be as flashy or as feature-rich as some people demand

    9.
    Indesit T160X

    Indesit T160X

    If you are searching for a robust, high quality solid plate hob then you’ll want to take this Indesit appliance into consideration. It will make meal after meal for years to come, acting as the perfect family hob.
    It comes with four standard zones; it has a heat indicator, a stylish design and precision controls.
    It has a steel finish, making it easy to clean.

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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)4.0 x (W)58.0 x (D)51.0
    • Power Range: 1 to 2kW
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric
    • 2 Year Warranty

    Reasons to Buy

    • It has a residual heat indicator for safety
    • A steel, robust hob surface
    • Easy to clean

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Costs more than £100

    10.
    Zanussi ZEE6942FXS

    Zanussi ZEE6942FXS

    Zanussi ZEE6942FXS

    Zanussi’s simple solid plate hob offers a classic look across four basic burners, available in an easily manageable dial system, and built in stainless steel. You’ll benefit from two main hobs and two smaller burners, all of which heat up to precision very quickly indeed!

    With rotary dials and easy installation guaranteed, this is a hot plate that is unlikely to cause you any complex concerns. Specifically, we think it’s a great choice if you are looking for a reasonable fit without any big frills or fancy extras.


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    Features

    • Dimensions: (H)3.6 x (W)59.4 x (D)51.0
    • Power Range: 1 to 1.5 KW
    • Number of Zones: 4
    • Fuel Type: Electric
    • Warranty: 1 Year

    Reasons to Buy

    • Very easy to use
    • Nice, classic look and dials
    • Quick to heat up
    • Easy enough to clean

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Not as feature rich as others on the market

    What Is It?

    Simply put, it is the standard form of electric hob. They are usually the cheapest option as they are the most basic form, but still do a really good job of providing heat.

    They will be the slowest to heat up compared to other forms, but are nice and easy to clean as the plates are sealed so grease and grime is unlikely to get into creases and joints.

    What We Have Looked For

    There are a couple of things we thought were important when trying to find the best solid plate hob:

    • Price – Often seen as the real benefit of hobs of this type. You may be on a budget, in which case there are options available for well under £100. Likewise, you may just want the familiarity of solid electric hobs, but can afford to spend a bit more for a few features, in which case there’s some for over £200 around.
    • Controls – Often controlled by dials and knobs, so there isn’t much leeway. However, some markings can be hard to view or confusing, or laid out in a difficult way. We have only picked ones which are easy and safe to use, as well as being self-explanatory.
    • Power Indicator – Unlike induction or gas hobs, it is hard to physically see if a solid plate is on. A clear, bright power light will alert you if a hob is turned on. A few models may also feature a residual heat indicator.
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