The Cookology 90cm Black 5 Zone Induction Hob presents a modern twist on kitchen technology, emphasising efficiency and safety in cooking. As someone who enjoys both experimenting in the kitchen and hosting family dinners, I was eager to put this induction hob through its paces. With five cooking zones and a range of innovative features, this appliance claims to cater to the needs of busy households. Here’s my in-depth review based on real-world testing.

Simplifying Multi-Dish Cooking with Five Zones

The standout feature of the Cookology 90cm hob is its five induction zones, which provide ample space for preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. During my testing, I found this particularly beneficial when hosting dinner parties. I could easily boil pasta, simmer sauce, and sauté vegetables all at once, without any overlap in cooking times or flavours.

Each zone heats up quickly, allowing for rapid cooking. The touch controls make it easy to adjust the heat instantly, so there’s no fussing with knob dials or waiting for the burner to catch up. This responsiveness means you can maintain precise cooking temperatures, which is particularly useful for delicate sauces or chocolate melting.

Keeping Food Warm: A Handy Feature

One of the more practical functions of this hob is its 'keep warm' feature. This is a lifesaver if you tend to prepare dishes ahead of time or need to serve food in stages. I tried it out with a cheese fondue—much to the delight of my guests. The cheese stayed perfectly melted without burning, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely dining experience without the stress of timing everything perfectly.

This feature isn’t only limited to cheese; it works equally well for soups and sauces, meaning you can prepare everything in advance and still serve piping hot food when you’re ready.

Timer Function: A Cook’s Best Friend

The timer function is another selling point. Each cooking zone has an individual timer that can be set for up to 99 minutes. I tested this while preparing a complex meal that involved roast vegetables and a slow-cooked sauce. Setting the timers allowed me to focus on each element without the fear of overcooking.

Once the timer expires, the hob automatically switches off the zone and alerts you with an audible signal. This gives you peace of mind, especially when juggling several dishes.

Safety First: Residual Heat Indicators and Child Lock

Safety is always a priority in the kitchen, and the Cookology hob excels in this regard. The residual heat indicators are a thoughtful addition, alerting you that a zone remains hot even after it’s turned off. This feature is crucial for avoiding accidental burns, particularly in a bustling household.

Moreover, the child lock function provides an additional layer of safety. It prevents any unauthorised use of the hob, which is essential for families with young children. I felt more at ease knowing that my little ones couldn’t accidentally switch on a hot zone while I was otherwise occupied.

Pros and Cons of the Cookology Induction Hob

Pros:

• Spacious five induction zones for simultaneous cooking.
• Quick heat-up times for efficient meal preparation.
• Keep warm function is beneficial for serving food gradually.
• Individual timers allow for precise cooking control.
• Safety features, including residual heat indicators and child lock.

Cons:

• Installation may require a professional, depending on your kitchen setup.
• The touch controls can be sensitive; it takes a little getting used to.

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Modern Kitchens

The Cookology 90cm Black 5 Zone Induction Hob is a remarkable addition to any kitchen, especially for those who frequently entertain or enjoy preparing elaborate meals. Its combination of responsive controls, multiple cooking zones, and safety features make it an excellent choice for the modern home cook.

If you’re looking for an induction hob that simplifies the cooking process while ensuring safety, this model is worthy of consideration. It not only meets the demands of busy kitchens but also enhances the overall cooking experience. Having tested its various functions and features, I can confidently recommend the Cookology hob to anyone keen on upgrading their kitchen appliances.