Choosing a new gas hob is one of those decisions that quietly shapes how your kitchen feels every single day. The layout of the burners, the width of the hob and even the finish can make the difference between cooking feeling like a chore and it being something you genuinely look forward to. If you are considering a 68cm model, the Smeg SE70SGH-5 68cm Gas Hob in stainless steel is a popular option that sits neatly between compact 60cm hobs and large statement pieces.
In this guide we will use the Smeg SE70SGH-5 as a useful reference point to talk through what to look for in a mid-width gas hob, and how it compares with similar options like the Smeg PGF75-4 72cm Gas Hob, the Smeg Cucina SRV596GH5 88cm Gas Hob, and the Smeg Victoria SR975 series in both black and cream. If you want detailed performance impressions and owner feedback, you can always read our full review of the Smeg SE70SGH-5 68cm Gas Hob once you have a feel for what you really need.
Why 68cm gas hobs are a sweet spot for UK kitchens
Most British kitchens are built around a standard 60cm oven housing, and many people assume that means they must stick with a 60cm hob. In reality, many worktops have a little extra width available, and this is where a 68cm gas hob like the Smeg SE70SGH-5 comes into its own.
That extra margin can give you:
- More space between burners so large pans do not clash.
- Room for a central burner or more flexible layout.
- A more balanced look above a built-in oven, especially in wider runs of units.
If your kitchen can comfortably accommodate a hob around this size, it is often a worthwhile upgrade over a basic 60cm model, particularly if you cook regularly for a family or enjoy more involved recipes.
Understanding burner layouts and cooking styles
When you look at hobs in the 68–72cm range, the main difference is how the burners are laid out and how much power they offer. The exact stats vary by model, but there are some general patterns worth understanding before you decide.
Central high-power burner versus traditional layout
Many mid-width hobs put a more powerful burner in the centre. This is ideal if you often use a large pot or a wok, as it keeps the heat source in a comfortable, central position on the worktop. A model like the Smeg SE70SGH-5 typically aims to give you that kind of flexible layout so you are not constantly shuffling pans to find enough space.
By contrast, some designs group the largest burner at the front or back corner, which can be handy if you prefer to keep high heat further from the splashback or away from the edge. When exploring similar options, such as the slightly wider Smeg PGF75-4 72cm Gas Hob, look carefully at where the biggest burner sits and imagine where your go-to pans would live.
Moving from four to five burners
In this size bracket, you will often see a choice between four and five-burner setups. Five burners can be brilliant if you regularly cook several components at once – think pasta, sauce, vegetables and a frying pan all going together. It also gives you a dedicated space for a larger wok or stockpot.
However, more burners do not always mean better for every kitchen. If your worktop space is tight or you mainly cook with one or two pans, a generous four-burner layout may feel less cramped and easier to keep clean. Looking at something like the wider Smeg Cucina SRV596GH5 88cm Gas Hob can help you visualise what a really spacious surface looks like if you are tempted by a bigger step up.
Matching your hob to your kitchen style
Function is key, but in most modern kitchens the hob is on show almost all the time. The finish and general styling really matter, especially in an open-plan living space. That is where stainless steel and more traditional finishes each have their own appeal.
Stainless steel: modern and versatile
The Smeg SE70SGH-5 comes in stainless steel, which is a safe choice if you are aiming for a sleek, contemporary look. It tends to blend well with built-in ovens, fridge freezers and other stainless appliances. It also suits neutral schemes with white or light grey cabinetry and stone-effect worktops.
If you want the same clean, modern feel but a fraction more presence on the worktop, moving to a slightly larger stainless model like the Smeg PGF75-4 72cm Gas Hob or the expansive Smeg Cucina SRV596GH5 88cm Gas Hob can make your hob feel like more of a feature.
Classic and colourful looks
Not every kitchen suits stainless steel. If you are going for a more traditional or heritage-inspired look, you might gravitate towards enamel-like finishes in darker or warmer shades. This is where the Victoria range comes in, with models such as the Smeg Victoria SR975NGH 68cm Gas Hob in black and the Smeg Victoria SR975PGH 68cm Gas Hob in cream.
These alternatives offer a very similar footprint to a 68cm stainless hob but shift the emphasis firmly towards character and period styling. They can work beautifully with shaker-style cabinets, range cookers and warmer metals like brass or copper. If you like the idea of a 68cm hob but want it to feel more like a design statement, these are worth serious consideration.
Space planning: getting the fit right
Before you fall in love with a particular model, it pays to do some careful measuring. While 68cm to 72cm hobs will generally work in spaces designed for standard built-in ovens, the margins around them can be tight if your kitchen has filler panels or narrow runs of units.
- Measure the worktop width where the hob will sit, not just the cabinet underneath.
- Check clearances to walls and tall units on either side.
- Note the depth of the worktop and any overhang, as this affects how close the controls sit to the front edge.
- Look underneath to see where drawers, oven housings or support rails may clash with the hob body.
Using the Smeg SE70SGH-5 as your mental template, ask yourself whether you could comfortably stretch to a 72cm hob like the PGF75-4, or even an 88cm model like the Cucina SRV596GH5 if you have a wide island or a generous main run of units.
Controls, safety and everyday usability
Beyond size and looks, daily usability is where a good hob earns its keep. Mid-range gas hobs often share similar features, but small differences in layout and detailing make a big difference to how they feel in use.
Control knob placement
On many 68cm gas hobs, the controls run along the front edge, which keeps your hands away from hot pans and makes adjustments easy when you are juggling several dishes. Some wider or more design-led models position the controls at the side, which can free up space but may feel a bit less intuitive if you are used to a front control layout.
When comparing options, picture which hand you tend to use and where you stand while cooking. A hob like the Smeg SE70SGH-5 aims to keep everything within comfortable reach without accidentally brushing against hot cookware – an important consideration in busier households.
Flame failure and gas safety
Many modern gas hobs include some form of flame safety device that cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly. This is particularly reassuring in open-plan homes or for anyone who worries about distractions in the kitchen. It is worth checking for this feature, especially if you are upgrading from an older hob that may not have had it.
If you want to see how safety features, control layout and general build quality feel in practice on a 68cm stainless model, you can read our full review of the Smeg SE70SGH-5 68cm Gas Hob for hands-on impressions.
Cleaning and maintenance: keeping your hob looking good
Gas hobs can be brilliantly responsive to cook on, but they do demand a little more effort to keep clean than a smooth glass induction surface. The construction of the hob – including the finish, burner caps and pan supports – all affects how easy it is to stay on top of splashes.
Looking after stainless steel surfaces
Stainless steel, as used on the Smeg SE70SGH-5 and alternatives like the PGF75-4 and Cucina SRV596GH5, is robust and long-lasting. The trick is to clean little and often. Wipe down spills as soon as the hob is cool using a mild washing-up liquid and warm water, then dry with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
For more stubborn marks, a specialist stainless steel cleaner used sparingly can refresh the surface without scratching. Always avoid scouring pads and harsh chemicals that can dull the finish or leave it patchy.
Dealing with pan supports and burner parts
Removable pan supports are a big help for cleaning, as you can lift them off and deal with any crumbs or spills properly. Cast iron supports typically look and feel more premium, but they are heavier and can be a little more awkward to manoeuvre. Enamel-coated supports are often lighter and easier to clean, but they may chip if mishandled.
Burner caps and rings should be lifted carefully and soaked if food has baked on. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry and correctly seated before you light the hob again, as misaligned parts can affect flame quality and performance.
Choosing between similar Smeg gas hobs
If you have narrowed your search down to mid- to large-sized gas hobs from the same brand, it can be difficult to tease out which one really fits your home. Here is a simple way to think about the Smeg models we have mentioned so far.
When a 68cm stainless steel hob makes sense
A 68cm stainless model like the Smeg SE70SGH-5 suits you if:
- You want more space than a basic 60cm hob without redesigning your kitchen.
- You prefer a clean, modern look that pairs well with most appliances.
- You need enough room for family cooking but not a full-blown extra-wide hob.
It hits a practical middle ground in both footprint and styling. If you mostly cook for a couple or a small family, it can strike a very sensible balance.
Stepping up to 72cm or 88cm widths
If your worktop is generous or you have a large island, stepping up in size can transform how cooking feels. The Smeg PGF75-4 72cm Gas Hob pushes a bit wider, which can translate into more air around the burners and a slightly more impressive presence on the worktop.
Go further again to something like the Smeg Cucina SRV596GH5 88cm Gas Hob and you are into true large-hob territory. An 88cm width gives you room to spread out several large pans without compromise, ideal for keen cooks, frequent entertainers or big households. The trade-off is that you need enough worktop width and extraction capacity to match.
Choosing a more traditional or colourful 68cm hob
If your priority is a softer, more classic look, then the Victoria range is well worth a look. The Smeg Victoria SR975NGH 68cm Gas Hob in black brings a bold, heritage feel that can anchor a darker kitchen, while the Smeg Victoria SR975PGH 68cm Gas Hob in cream suits warmer, country-style spaces.
Both keep that convenient 68cm footprint but swap the stainless for finishes that can tie in with classic-style ovens, painted cabinets and rustic details. They are ideal if you like the idea of a mid-width hob but want something that looks more like a feature piece than a purely functional appliance.
Practical buying checklist for your next gas hob
To make your final choice easier, it helps to boil things down to a short checklist. Use these points to compare the Smeg SE70SGH-5 with similar options and make sure you cover the essentials.
- Width and fit: Can your worktop comfortably take 68cm, 72cm or 88cm without cramping adjacent units?
- Burner count and layout: Do you really need five burners, or would a spacious four-burner layout suit your cooking better?
- High-power zone: Is there a suitably powerful burner placed where you would naturally put a wok or big pot?
- Finish and style: Does stainless, black or cream work best with your cabinets, worktops and other appliances?
- Controls and safety: Are the knobs logically laid out, and does the hob include modern safety shut-off features?
- Cleaning effort: Are the pan supports and burner parts easy to remove and clean?
Taking a few minutes to score each contender against this list will quickly show you whether a 68cm stainless model like the SE70SGH-5, a slightly wider option like the PGF75-4, or a more decorative Victoria hob is the better fit for your kitchen.
Bringing it all together
A gas hob is one of the hardest-working parts of any kitchen, and getting the size and layout right pays dividends every single day. A 68cm hob such as the Smeg SE70SGH-5 offers a smart middle ground between compact and oversized, and its stainless steel finish makes it an easy match for most modern spaces. If you have more room or a particular style in mind, alternatives like the Smeg PGF75-4, Smeg Cucina SRV596GH5 and the Smeg Victoria SR975 range in black or cream open up even more options.
Once you have narrowed down what matters most – whether that is burner configuration, footprint, or a specific look – taking a closer look at real-world performance can help you feel fully confident. To dive deeper into how a 68cm stainless hob performs in everyday use, head over to our in-depth review of the Smeg SE70SGH-5 68cm Gas Hob and explore the linked reviews of the close alternatives mentioned above. With the right information to hand, you can choose a hob that will earn its place in your kitchen for years to come.