Siemens vs Whirlpool Hobs

Siemens and Whirlpool both supply hobs for UK kitchens, but they approach the category from different directions. Siemens is built around induction, with the ED811BS16E 80cm four-zone hob at £1,899 carrying integrated ventilation, the ED851HWB1E 80cm combiZone model at £899, and the 60cm EX651HEC1E and ED651HSB1E at £799 and £699. Whirlpool offers more variety in fuel and width: the GOWL 758/NB 75cm five-burner gas hob costs £519, the WFS1577CPNE 77cm four-zone induction hob is £599, the SMP778CNEIXL 770mm induction hob is £799, and the WVH 92 K F KIT/1 venting cooktop sits at £1,929.

The technology difference shows up most in the controls and zones. Siemens's touchControl interface offers 17 power settings, and its flexInduction zones adjust to different pan sizes. The ED851HWB1E and ED651HSB1E use combiZone to link two zones, and Home Connect lets you monitor cooking from a phone on the models that support it. The EX651HEC1E adds a frying sensor. Whirlpool's induction hobs emphasise surface area instead: the SMP778CNEIXL has eight zones and 6th Sense cooking assistance on selected models, while the WVH 92 K F KIT/1 pairs four induction zones with a built-in extractor and a keep-warm function. Its gas option, the GOWL 758/NB, includes a PowerFlame burner.

Siemens suits open-plan kitchens, island installations. Whirlpool suits buyers who want width or a central five-burner gas hob, and anyone with an island where the WVH 92 K F KIT/1 venting hob removes the need for an overhead hood. Venting needs ducting or recirculation filters, and the 75cm and 77cm Whirlpool hobs need a larger cut-out than the 60cm Siemens models.

Bottom line: choose Siemens if you want induction with combiZone or venting at a sensible fitted cost and already own magnetic pans, and choose Whirlpool if five-burner gas or the 770mm induction surface better matches your fuel supply and kitchen width, or if you need venting over an island.