Size matters

The cooktop is the main event in the hob-hood relationship, so before you hit the shops, think about how and what you cook. Do you need a special feature, such as a teppanyaki plate or wok burner? Will you be preparing dinners for a crowd or for just one or two? “Space availability is important, as selecting a 900mm appliance when you have little bench space may be an error,” says design consultant Susan Simmons of The Essential Detail and Freedom Kitchens. So, unless you’re going to be using six burners regularly, a more conventional four-burner model might be the right choice.