How to Choose the Right Built-In Hob for Your Kitchen

Choosing a built-in hob isn’t just about matching your kitchen’s look. It’s about finding the right balance between design, cooking habits, and practicality. Whether you’re upgrading your old stovetop or planning a full kitchen renovation, understanding the different hob types will help you make a smart, lasting investment.

At MVP Appliances, we help homeowners in the UAE choose built-in hobs and oven packages that bring everyday cooking to a new level of comfort and efficiency.

What Is a Built-In Hob and Why Choose One?

A built-in hob is a sleek, modern cooking surface installed directly into your countertop. Unlike freestanding stoves, it offers a cleaner, more streamlined appearance while freeing up space in compact kitchens.

Here’s why many UAE homeowners prefer built-in hobs:

• Seamless design that blends with modern cabinetry.
• Precise temperature control for better cooking results.
• Easy cleaning thanks to flat surfaces and minimal crevices.
• Flexible installation options to match your cooking style.

And if you’re upgrading your setup, built-in electric oven and hob packages or built-in gas oven and hob packages offer excellent value and design consistency, ideal for both new homes and kitchen remodels.

The Main Types of Built-In Hobs

Different built-in hobs cater to different cooking styles, energy needs, and kitchen layouts. Below, we’ll explore each type, how they work, what makes them stand out, and a few key considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.

1. Gas Hobs

Gas hobs are the traditional choice for many homes in the UAE. They provide instant heat and precise flame control, making them ideal for dishes that require quick temperature adjustments, such as stir-fries or curries.

Pros:

• Instant heat and visible flame for better control.
• Works with all types of cookware.
• Continues to operate during power outages.

Considerations:

• Requires a gas connection and proper ventilation.
• Cleaning can take longer due to grates and burners.

For example, the Foster MILANELLO 7682 009 Gas Hob combines modern aesthetics with five high-performance burners and under-knob ignition, a sleek upgrade to the classic gas setup.

2. Domino Hobs 

Domino hobs are smaller, modular cooktops that can be used individually or combined with others to create a custom cooking station. They’re perfect for compact kitchens or homeowners who want a mix of gas, induction, or even teppanyaki zones.

Pros:

• Space-efficient design for smaller kitchens.
• Allows customisation, mix different hob types.
• Energy-efficient performance in a compact size.

Considerations:

• Fewer burners than full-sized hobs.
• May cost more per zone compared to standard hobs.

The Foster Domino Gas Hob is a great example, offering powerful burners and minimalist style in a compact frame.

3. Vitroceramic Hobs

Vitroceramic hobs use radiant heating elements beneath a glass surface to cook food evenly. They’re known for their elegant design and ease of cleaning, making them an excellent match for modern, minimalist kitchens.

Pros:

• Flat, glass surface is easy to clean.
• Heats evenly for consistent results.
• Works with most cookware types.

Considerations:

• Slightly slower to heat than induction.
• Surface can stay hot for a while after cooking.

The Elba ELIO EVC 905 XF Vitroceramic Hob offers added convenience with touch controls, safety locks, and a double cooking zone ideal for large pots.

4. Extractor Hobs

Extractor hobs combine a cooking surface with an integrated ventilation system. They pull in steam and odours directly from the source, eliminating the need for a separate cooker hood, ideal for open-plan kitchens.

Pros:

• Saves space by combining the hob and extractor.
• Keeps the kitchen air fresh and clear.
• Modern design fits beautifully in open spaces.

Considerations:

• Higher upfront cost due to dual functionality.
• Requires proper installation and maintenance of filters.

The Elica NikolaTesla Unplugged Extractor Hob demonstrates this innovation perfectly, blending quiet extraction with precise cooking control.

5. Induction Hobs 

Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to heat your cookware directly, not the hob surface. They’re fast, efficient, and safe, a great option for busy families and energy-conscious homes.

Pros:

• Heats up faster than gas or ceramic.
• Very energy-efficient and cool to the touch.
• Precise temperature control with minimal heat loss.

Considerations:

• Requires induction-compatible cookware.
• Slightly higher initial cost compared to gas.

A model like the Foster 7300 000 Induction Hob showcases this technology’s potential, featuring intelligent pot detection and touch-sensitive power controls.

6. Gas-on-Glass Hobs

Gas-on-glass hobs offer the best of both worlds: the traditional flame of a gas hob with the sleek finish of a glass surface. They provide style and functionality without sacrificing the hands-on control that many cooks love.

Pros:

• Combines gas cooking power with an elegant glass design.
• Easier to clean than standard gas hobs.
• Stylish addition to contemporary kitchens.

Considerations:

• Glass surface can scratch if not handled carefully.
• Still needs regular cleaning around burners.

The Elio Gas-matik 90 cm Gas-on-Glass Hob embodies this balance beautifully, featuring cast-iron pan supports, touch controls, and multiple safety functions.

Comparing the Main Hob Types

How to Choose the Right Built-In Hob for Your Kitchen

Selecting the right built-in hob isn’t just about style. It’s about matching the appliance to your cooking style, the space you have, and the kind of experience you want in your kitchen. Below are the key factors to consider before making a decision.

Kitchen Layout

Your kitchen layout greatly influences which hob will work best. In a wall-mounted setup, traditional gas, induction, or vitroceramic hobs integrate neatly against the counter and backsplash, keeping the design streamlined. For an island-style kitchen, an extractor hob or a gas-on-glass model is ideal because it keeps the cooking area open, efficiently controls smoke, and maintains a clutter-free, modern aesthetic. 

Before finalising your choice, ensure that your countertop is measured correctly, as most built-in hobs come in standard sizes ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters. Although compact domino hobs are ideal for smaller homes or secondary cooking zones.

Cooking Habits

How you cook daily should guide your decision more than anything else. If you enjoy hands-on, high-heat cooking like stir-frying or grilling, a gas hob offers unmatched flame control. Those who prefer fast, precise, and energy-efficient cooking will appreciate induction hobs, which heat the pan directly and respond instantly to changes in temperature. 

Vitroceramic hobs, on the other hand, are perfect for everyday family cooking, offering a smooth balance between steady heating and easy maintenance. For homeowners who entertain often or cook in open spaces, extractor hobs combine power and ventilation in one unit, keeping your kitchen air fresh while you cook.

Size Compatibility

Hob size plays a crucial role in both performance and aesthetics. A 60-centimeter hob suits smaller households, while larger families or avid cooks often opt for wider 75- or 90-centimeter models that allow for multiple pans to be used simultaneously.

When combining your hob with a built-in electric oven, check that the dimensions and design lines align. This ensures a seamless, integrated look that complements your cabinetry and maximises space efficiency.

Energy Use

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly crucial for UAE homeowners, particularly with the growing awareness of sustainability. Induction hobs lead the way in this area, using electromagnetic energy that heats only the cookware surface and minimises wasted power.

Gas hobs remain a strong choice for performance and reliability, and many newer models feature flame failure safety and energy-saving burners. Built-in electric oven and hob packages are also designed to optimise electricity use, helping you save on both energy and long-term costs without compromising functionality.

Noise and Maintenance

Quiet performance and easy cleaning can significantly enhance your everyday kitchen routine. Induction and ceramic hobs are effortless to maintain. Their smooth glass surfaces wipe clean in seconds.

Gas and gas-on-glass hobs require more care but make up for it in durability and classic power. Extractor hobs are convenient for modern homes, but it’s worth checking that filters are easy to access and that the unit operates quietly, especially in open-plan spaces.

Safety and Ease of Use

Safety should always be a top priority when selecting a hob, particularly in family homes. Induction and vitroceramic hobs stay cool to the touch and include practical safety features, such as residual heat indicators, timers, and child locks.

Gas hobs, while offering robust control, should always have flame failure protection for added peace of mind. Controls should feel intuitive, whether you’re using knobs or touch panels, so your cooking experience remains effortless and secure.

If you’re still unsure which type suits your kitchen best, the team at MVP Appliances can guide you through the options and help you find the perfect fit, whether that’s a minimalist induction model, a classic gas setup, or a complete built-in oven and hob package that matches your home’s style and cooking needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right built-in hob means finding one that matches your space, lifestyle, and energy needs. Whether you prefer the classic flame of gas, the speed of induction, or the innovation of extractor designs, MVP Appliances offers a curated range of reliable hobs and oven packages that combine performance with style.Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a built-in hob and a cooktop?

A built-in hob is designed to be permanently installed into your countertop, while cooktops can sometimes be portable. Built-in versions offer a more seamless, modern look.

Are induction hobs better than gas hobs?

Induction hobs heat faster and are more energy-efficient, while gas hobs provide visual flame control and versatility. It depends on your cooking style and preferences.

How do extractor hobs work?

Extractor hobs combine a cooktop and a ventilation fan in one unit. They pull steam and odors downwards, keeping your kitchen air clean without the need for a separate hood.

Can I install a built-in hob myself?

It’s best to have your hob professionally installed to ensure safety, proper ventilation, and compliance with UAE electrical and gas regulations.

Which is more economical: gas or electric built-in hob packages?

Gas hobs typically have lower operating costs, while electric hobs (especially induction) are more energy-efficient. A built-in gas oven and hob package is ideal for traditional cooking, while an electric oven and hob package suits modern, fast-paced kitchens.