Best gas hobs for 2024

Gas hobs are the most popular choice in the UK, but their supremacy is being challenged by induction. 

Gas hobs have a lot going for them - the flame reacts immediately when you turn the dial, they spread heat evenly and there are many low-cost models available. 

However, they do tend to be slow, and are inefficient in their use of fuel.

Not sure what type of hob to buy? See our guide to the best hobs for pros and cons of each type.

To browse all the models we've tested, head to our gas hob reviews.

How to buy the best gas hob

If you're not sure whether to go for a gas hob, answering these questions should help you to decide:

• Are low running costs a priority for  you? While all energy costs have risen, gas still costs less than electricity to cook with. Gas hobs are, however, less efficient than induction or electric models because some of the heat goes into heating your kitchen and not your food.
• Are you looking to make an eco-conscious choice? Gas is a fossil fuel, so produces carbon dioxide when it burns. If your electricity supplier generates electricity from renewable sources, then cooking using electricity is a better choice for the environment.
• Is safety a priority for you? The presence of a naked flame means that children should never be left alone in the kitchen while a hob is on. However, modern gas hobs do have safety features: if the flame is extinguished because of a draught, for example, an automatic safety cut-out will prevent your kitchen filling with gas.
• Do you want a responsive heat source that's easy to control? The beauty of cooking on a gas hob is that it gives instant, visible heat and responds immediately when you turn it up or down. There's a time lag with traditional electric hobs, but induction hobs match gas for speed of response. 
• Do you need a hob that's easy to clean? Gas hobs aren't the simplest to clean. There are plenty of places for grime to settle, and it's a faff to remove the heavy pan supports and then clean around the burners and dials. The flat glass surfaces of electric and induction models are far easier to wipe clean.

Not sure if a gas hob is for you? Find out more about the best ceramic hobs and the best induction hobs.

Best gas hob features to consider

Depending on how you want to use your gas hob, you might find the following additional features useful.

• Five burner hobs These provide an extra cooking zone that can be useful when preparing food for a crowd. You will need more worktop space, though, as these are usually around 70cm to 90cm wide - substantially wider than a typical 60cm four-zone hob. All hobs tend to measure a standard 50-52cm deep regardless of the number of zones.
• Wok burner Some gas hobs have a large, high-powered wok burner that provides intense, rapid heat. These are designed for stir-fry cooking, but you can also use them when you're simply in a hurry for food to heat up. While you sometimes get wok burners on four-zone hobs, they're a regular feature on larger five-zone models.
• Glass base Gas-on-glass hobs are mounted on top of a flat ceramic glass surface. This makes them easier to clean, but they're pricier than standard gas hobs.
• Combined gas and electric Although induction cooking has become popular, manufacturers realise that many of us are reluctant to say goodbye to gas. If this is you, consider getting a hybrid hob with both gas burners and induction or electric heating zones.

Can I fit a gas hob myself?

No. As with any gas-powered appliance, you'll need the services of a qualified professional, accredited by the Gas Safe Register (previously Corgi registered). To ensure an engineer is properly qualified to carry out the work, ask to see their Gas Safe Register card.  

Changing your electric hob for a gas hob is expensive, as new gas pipes would need to be installed. On the other hand, switching from gas to electric can be straightforward, as the gas can be shut off by an engineer. However, if your consumer unit (electrical fusebox) or electric cables need upgrading to provide the extra power needed for an electric hob, this can add a lot to the price of installation.

Look for recommended gas engineers in your area with Which? Trusted Traders. We vet local traders to make sure they have the right accreditations and qualifications to do the job. 

Are gas hobs being phased out?

While using natural gas to heat homes will be banned in new builds from 2035, hobs that run on natural gas are not yet being phased out.

Hydrogen gas is being touted as the 'green' gas that could heat our homes in the future. If this becomes reality, and natural gas is no longer piped into properties, then our gas hobs and cookers would also need to use hydrogen. 

If your area becomes earmarked to receive hydrogen gas, when the time comes you'll need a hydrogen-ready boiler and gas hob. These products should start appearing on the market in the next few years.

For now, it remains to be seen if hydrogen-based heating does become a large-scale reality, or if electric boilers or heat pumps move to the fore.

Another way to power a gas hob is to use bottles of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). This is a popular choice for static caravans and camper vans. Many hobs are suitable for this, and LPG conversion kits are available.

Find out more about greener energy in our guide to hydrogen boilers.

Will a gas hob work without electricity?

It's easy to forget that gas hobs also need electricity. It's required to power the ignition, and also if there's a clock, timer or lights. 

Unlike most electric hobs, gas hobs usually come with a 13A plug and can simply be plugged in to a standard socket.