The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob with four burners, finished in a glossy black enamel that suits both classic and modern kitchens. It’s part of Smeg’s Victoria range, so the styling leans more traditional than ultra-minimal, but the hardware underneath is reassuringly up to date.
With cast iron pan supports, automatic ignition and a powerful wok burner, this is a straightforward but solidly specified hob aimed at home cooks who still prefer the instant control of gas. At this price it sits firmly in the mid-to-premium bracket for a 60cm gas hob, reflecting Smeg’s positioning as a design-led brand.
Owners rate it very highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from a good spread of reviews, which suggests it not only looks the part but also performs well day to day.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits households that want a reliable everyday hob with a bit of visual character. If you’re updating a traditional or shaker-style kitchen and don’t want a clinical stainless steel look, the black enamel surface and chunky controls will fit in nicely.
With four burners and three different burner sizes, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized families who regularly cook on the hob but don’t need an expansive 5- or 6-burner layout. The inclusion of a high-power wok burner also makes it a good choice if you enjoy stir-frying, searing meat or simply want a rapid boil for big pans of pasta or potatoes.
Budget buyers looking for the cheapest possible 60cm hob will find more basic options for less, but this model is better suited to those willing to pay a bit more for design, build quality and brand reputation. It’s also a sensible upgrade for anyone moving from an older, flimsy hob and wanting something sturdier without going into very high-end territory.
Because controls are via simple front-mounted rotary dials and ignition is automatic, it’s friendly for all experience levels – from first-time homeowners to more confident cooks who value responsive heat control.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner. With power up to 3.3 kW, it delivers intense heat for fast stir-fries, quick boiling and serious searing – something many basic 60cm hobs struggle to match.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports give the hob a quality feel and provide a stable base for everything from small saucepans to large frying pans and woks. They’re more durable than lightweight enamelled supports and help pots sit securely, even when you’re moving things around.
Automatic ignition built into the rotary dials makes lighting each burner quick and fuss-free – no separate ignition button and certainly no matches. Combined with the clearly laid out front controls, it’s very straightforward to operate.
Safety is well covered for a gas hob too. An automatic safety shut-off and flame failure devices mean the gas supply is cut if a flame goes out, adding peace of mind in busy family kitchens.
Finally, owner feedback is extremely positive. A 4.8/5 rating indicates that users are pleased with both performance and finish, which is reassuring when you’re investing in a premium-looking appliance.
There’s no timer or control panel lock, so you don’t get the extra conveniences often found on higher-end or more modern-style hobs. If you like to set a hob timer for pasta or rice, you’ll still be relying on the oven timer or your phone.
The surface is enamel rather than glass, which many people like for the traditional look, but it can show marks and burnt-on spills if not cleaned regularly. It’s robust, but not quite as sleek-wiping as some smooth glass gas-on-glass designs.
Being a 60cm, four-burner layout, space can be tight if you frequently cook with several large pans at once. The powerful wok burner helps, but serious batch cooks might prefer a wider 75cm or 90cm model.
Installation requires both an electrician to connect the power for ignition and a Gas Safe engineer for the gas supply, and the hose isn’t included, so there may be extra cost at fitting time.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels pleasantly old-school in the best way. The front-mounted rotary dials are large and easy to grip, and automatic ignition means each burner sparks into life with a simple twist – no separate button to hunt for with wet or floury hands.
The four burners are spread across the 59.5cm width with three different sizes, so it’s easy to match pots and pans to the right flame. The wok burner is especially handy for large pans or when you just want water to boil quickly; once you’re used to the extra power, more modest burners can feel sluggish by comparison.
Cast iron supports give the hob a solid, stable feel when sliding pans around, and they lend the surface a professional look. They do add some weight when you lift them off for cleaning, but they’re generally straightforward to remove and refit.
Cleaning the black enamel surface needs a bit of regular attention, as spills are more obvious on a gloss black finish. Wiping down after cooking and dealing with splashes promptly will keep it looking sharp. The lack of complex electronics or touch controls means there’s little to confuse or break – it’s a very liveable, no-nonsense hob once installed.
Performance is strong for a standard-width hob. The burner power range from 1.05 to 3.3 kW covers gentle simmering through to vigorous boiling and wok cooking. The ultra-rapid burner is the star, providing high, focused heat that’s ideal for quick stir-fries and for rapidly heating big pots.
The three burner sizes give you flexibility: smaller burners are good for sauces and low-and-slow cooking, while the medium zones handle everyday frying and boiling. Having a clearly differentiated range makes it easier to avoid scorching delicate dishes or waiting too long for water to come to the boil.
In terms of safety, the hob includes flame failure devices and an automatic safety shut-off, so if a pan boils over or a draught blows the flame out, the gas will be cut automatically. This is an important box-tick for modern gas hobs and reassuring for families.
The enamel surface is robust and heat resistant, complementing the heavy cast iron pan supports. While you don’t get advanced extras like digital displays, timers or sensor-based cooking, what’s here is executed well: responsive manual control, reliable automatic ignition and compatibility with both natural gas and LPG (with a conversion kit included). That LPG flexibility is useful if you’re installing the hob in a home without mains gas or in a holiday property.
Overall, the feature set leans towards traditional, but the essentials – power, safety and build quality – are all present and correct, making it a dependable workhorse rather than a gadget-laden showpiece.
At £399, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is priced above many entry-level 60cm gas hobs, reflecting its premium branding, styling and build quality. You’re paying for sturdier materials, a more distinctive look and a powerful wok burner rather than a bare-bones specification.
For buyers focused purely on getting gas flames for the lowest possible cost, it will feel relatively expensive. However, if you value the combination of design, strong user reviews and practical touches like cast iron supports, flame failure safety and LPG compatibility, it represents fair value in the mid-to-premium segment.
The 4.8/5 user rating suggests that owners feel they’ve had a good return on their investment, particularly in terms of performance and reliability. The two-year manufacturer warranty is decent if not class-leading, adding an extra layer of reassurance without inflating the price further.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm gas hob is a well-judged blend of traditional style and modern performance. It doesn’t chase smart features or touch controls; instead, it focuses on responsive heat, a powerful wok burner and a solid, reassuring build that suits everyday family cooking.
It’s best suited to households that value aesthetics and quality over rock-bottom pricing, and to cooks who prefer a tactile, straightforward gas setup. The lack of timer and control lock, plus the compact four-burner layout, may put off those who want lots of tech or very generous pan space, but most kitchens will find it more than capable.
If you’re after a stylish, reliable 60cm gas hob that feels robust and delivers strong, controllable heat, this Smeg Victoria model is an excellent choice – especially if it complements the rest of your kitchen design.
