Altimo vs Smeg Hobs

Altimo and Smeg are separated mainly by price and finish. Altimo's cheapest option is the BEHS1SS 4 Zone Sealed Plate Electric Hob at £99, with the BIH600T2B 4 Zone Induction Hob with Touch Control at £159 as its induction choice. Smeg's SI2641DUK 4-Zone Induction Hob with Touch Controls costs £389. Its range also includes the PX364L Classic 60cm Gas Hob in stainless steel at £349, the SI2741DUK 75cm Induction Hob at £479 and the SI2741D 75cm Induction Hob at £579. Its SI2741D 75cm model costs £100 more than the SI2741DUK.

Smeg's hobs are built around stainless steel and tempered glass, with automatic switch-off, child lock and residual heat indicators. The SI2641DUK has an ultra-low profile and digital touch controls, while the 75cm SI2741D offers 9 power levels plus a boost setting. The PX364L gives Smeg a classic gas option with four burners. Altimo's hobs have touch or rotary controls, few premium finishes and, in the case of the sealed plate models, slow heat-up. Smeg's induction hobs avoid that slow start.

Altimo suits renters, first-time buyers and anyone wanting a cheap 60cm hob for a secondary kitchen. Smeg suits buyers who want a visible design statement, a wider 75cm surface or a gas option with a classic look. The 75cm induction models suit larger pans and family cooking. Smeg's prices are higher, so the purchase makes most sense when appearance and width matter. Check your worktop cut-out and make sure your pans are magnetic before choosing induction.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if the lowest price matters most, such as the BIH600T2B induction hob at £159, and choose Smeg if you want a premium finish and a wider cooking surface, such as the SI2741DUK 75cm induction hob at £479.