Bosch vs Hotpoint Hobs

Bosch and Hotpoint are close on price, with Hotpoint the cheaper option on most models. Bosch's options are the PBP6B2K60 Series 2 gas hob in white at £229, the PWP611BB5B 600mm four-burner induction hob at £309 and the PIE631BB5E Series 4 600mm induction hob at £399. Hotpoint's range includes the PPH60PFIXUK 60cm silver gas hob at £142, the PPH60GDFIX four-burner silver gas hob at £170, the FTGHG641DHBK 600mm built-in gas hob at £385 and the TQ1460SNE 590mm induction hob at £239. The cheapest Bosch gas hob is £87 more than the Hotpoint PPH60PFIXUK.

Bosch's product description describes PerfectFry sensor control, FlexInduction zones, DirectSelect Premium controls with 17 power levels, a PowerBoost function of up to 50 per cent and a ReStart function. Its warranty is two years. Hotpoint's product description describes nine power levels from 70°C to 240°C, Flexi Zone cooking areas that take pans from 10cm to 40cm, a glass touch panel with child lock, and residual heat indicators. It quotes a 10-year parts warranty.

Bosch suits a cook who wants a flexible induction hob with a PowerBoost function and sensor-based cooking. Hotpoint suits a household that wants a lower-priced hob and a long parts warranty. Both brands recommend professional installation, and induction hobs from either brand need magnetic cookware. The induction gap is £70, between the Bosch PWP611BB5B at £309 and the Hotpoint TQ1460SNE at £239, which is a modest saving for a long parts warranty. Bosch's ReStart function is useful in a busy household, because it saves the last settings if the hob is switched off by accident.

Bottom line: choose Bosch if you want a 600mm induction hob with PowerBoost and a ReStart function from £309, choose Hotpoint if you want a 10-year parts warranty and a lower-priced hob from £142 for gas or £239 for induction.