If you love cooking over a real flame and want a sleek, built-in hob, Smeg gas hobs are a popular choice in UK kitchens. The Smeg Cucina P272XGH 72cm Gas Hob in stainless steel sits in a sweet spot: wide enough for comfortable cooking, but still practical for most standard worktops. In this guide, we’ll use it as a reference point to help you choose the right gas hob size, layout and style for your home, and we’ll highlight a few closely related alternatives worth considering.
Understanding the Smeg Cucina P272XGH: A Practical 72cm Layout
The Smeg Cucina P272XGH is a 72cm wide stainless-steel gas hob designed for built-in installation. That extra width compared with a standard 60cm model gives you noticeably more elbow room between pans, without jumping all the way up to a full 75cm or 90cm appliance. If you frequently cook three or four dishes at once, that extra breathing space can make a big difference to how relaxed the hob feels to use.
Because we’ve covered the nuts-and-bolts specs, performance and user feedback elsewhere, this article won’t repeat all of that. If you want detailed impressions, burner layout specifics and more real-world comments, you can read our full review of the Smeg Cucina P272XGH gas hob once you’ve finished this guide.
Instead, think of the P272XGH as a case study in what a modern, mid-width stainless gas hob can offer: a clean, minimal look, straightforward control, and enough cooking capacity for keen home cooks without dominating the worktop.
60cm vs 70cm+ Gas Hobs: Which Width Suits You?
One of the first decisions when buying a gas hob is width. The P272XGH at 72cm sits between the classic 60cm size and the larger 75–90cm models often found in show kitchens. Here’s how to decide what works best for you.
When a standard 60cm hob makes sense
If you have a compact kitchen or a limited run of worktop, a 60cm hob is usually the sensible default. It fits neatly above a standard 60cm oven and leaves you more preparation space on either side.
If this sounds like your layout but you still want the Smeg stainless aesthetic, take a look at the Smeg Victoria SR964XGH 60cm Gas Hob. It keeps to a 60cm footprint but adds a more traditional, heritage styling, with excellent user ratings. Another option in the same width but more in line with the Cucina styling is the Smeg Cucina P261XGH 60cm Gas Hob, which is a strong choice if you like the P272XGH’s look but don’t have the spare width.
Why choose a wider hob like the P272XGH?
Moving up to a model like the 72cm Cucina P272XGH mainly buys you space between burners. This makes it easier to:
- Use larger frying pans and casserole dishes without them overlapping.
- Run four pans at once without constant rearranging.
- Reach pots at the back without knocking handles.
If you enjoy cooking multiple-course meals or batch-cooking for the freezer, a slightly wider hob quickly pays off in comfort. For something similar but a touch narrower, consider the Smeg Cucina SR275XGH2 68cm Gas Hob, which offers that “more room than 60cm” feeling while demanding a bit less worktop space than the 72cm P272XGH.
Burner Layout and How It Affects Everyday Cooking
Beyond the width, the way burners are arranged makes a huge difference to how a hob feels to use. Most Smeg gas hobs in this family, including the Cucina P272XGH, tend to follow a familiar pattern: a mix of smaller burners for simmering and larger burners for boiling and searing.
Central high-power or wok burner
Many modern gas hobs place a more powerful burner in a central or front-central position, ideal for a wok or a large sauté pan. Even without quoting specific power figures, the practical takeaway is simple: use this burner whenever you need fast heat, whether that’s flash-frying vegetables or rapidly bringing a large pot of water to the boil.
When comparing similar hobs, look at where the most powerful burner sits. Some people prefer it at the front for easy access; others like it centred but slightly back so it’s further from the edge when flambéing or using tall stockpots.
Practical positioning for families
If you have young children or pets, you may prefer layouts where the largest pans sit further from the hob’s front edge. When considering options like the Smeg Victoria SR975NGH 68cm Gas Hob in black, for example, it’s worth checking photos of the burner layout and control placement to see how comfortable you’d be stirring big pans with people moving through the kitchen.
Choosing a Finish: Stainless Steel vs Black
The Smeg Cucina P272XGH and its closest siblings are classic stainless-steel models. Stainless is a safe, neutral choice that works with most kitchen styles, from modern slab doors to more traditional shaker designs.
Why choose stainless steel?
- Timeless look: It rarely clashes with appliances or hardware.
- Hides minor damage: Light scuffs are usually less obvious than on glossy black glass.
- Matches ovens: If you have or plan a stainless built-in oven, the look is cohesive.
The trade-off is that fingerprints and smudges show up, especially around the controls. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth will usually sort this, so a simple daily or every-other-day routine keeps it looking smart.
When a black gas hob might suit you better
If your kitchen leans more towards a dramatic or contemporary look, a black hob such as the Smeg Victoria SR975NGH 68cm Gas Hob can become a real focal point. Black hobs blend well with darker worktops and can visually recede into the background in an all-black or charcoal scheme.
However, black finishes can show dried water spots and salt splashes from pasta water quite clearly. If you’re meticulous about wiping down after cooking, this won’t be an issue; if you know you prefer a low-maintenance finish, stainless steel like the P272XGH could be more forgiving day to day.
What to Consider Before Installing a Wider Gas Hob
Before committing to a 72cm model like the Cucina P272XGH, there are a few practical checks to make beyond simply measuring the worktop width.
Worktop cut-out and cabinet spacing
Every built-in hob comes with minimum clearances to side walls, splashbacks and cabinets, plus a specific cut-out size that needs to be cut into the worktop. Because the P272XGH is wider than 60cm, you’ll want to confirm that:
- The cut-out will not overlap any supporting cabinet walls or joins.
- You can maintain the specified gap to tall units or side walls.
- There’s enough depth front-to-back, especially if you have a narrow worktop.
If you’re replacing an existing 60cm hob, your fitter may need to enlarge the existing cut-out, so factor that into your installation plans.
Extractor and ventilation alignment
Ideally, the hob should sit under the centre of your cooker hood or extractor. If you’re upgrading from a 60cm hob to a 72cm one, double-check that the hood is wide enough to cover the new cooking area. A slightly wider hob under a 60cm hood can still work, but you may notice more steam and grease drifting to the sides.
Gas Hob Safety and Everyday Use
Modern gas hobs, including models like the Smeg Cucina P272XGH, typically include safety features that make them much safer to live with than older designs. While details vary between models, there are general best practices that apply across the board.
Flame safety devices and ignition
Most contemporary gas hobs include a flame safety device that cuts off the gas if the flame goes out unexpectedly. This is one reason professional installation is so important: it ensures all safety features operate as intended. Automatic ignition via the control knobs also reduces the juggling act of matches and lighters, especially if you have mobility issues or simply prefer a fuss-free start-up.
Safe pan and handle positioning
Regardless of the hob you choose, get into the habit of turning pan handles away from the front edge and towards the side or back. When using larger pans on a central burner, keep an eye on neighbouring flame rings, as pot sides can deflect heat and cause uneven cooking if burners are too close.
Cleaning and Caring for a Stainless Steel Gas Hob
Cleaning is where stainless steel can feel a little unforgiving, but with a simple routine, a hob like the P272XGH stays smart for years.
Daily or post-cooking wipe-down
Once the hob is completely cool, remove the pan supports and burner caps. Wipe up any spills with a soft cloth and warm, mildly soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Drying is key: it prevents water spots and streaks that catch the light.
Dealing with stubborn marks
For dried-on food, soak a cloth in warm water and lay it over the mark for a few minutes rather than reaching straight for abrasives. Avoid steel wool and harsh scouring powders, which can permanently scratch stainless steel. If you choose to use a specialist stainless cleaner, apply sparingly and follow the grain of the metal.
Looking after pan supports and burner parts
Pan supports can usually be washed in warm, soapy water. Some owners like to pop them in the dishwasher, but check the manufacturer’s guidance as repeated dishwasher cycles can sometimes dull finishes over time. After cleaning, make sure burner caps and rings sit correctly so that flames are even and don’t flicker or yellow.
Comparing Close Alternatives: Keeping It in the Smeg Family
If you’ve decided that a Smeg gas hob is right for you but you’re not sure about the exact size or style, it helps to see where the Cucina P272XGH sits alongside its closest cousins.
Smeg Cucina P272XGH vs Cucina P261XGH (60cm)
The Cucina P261XGH 60cm Gas Hob is essentially the more compact sibling to the P272XGH. You get a similar stainless look and overall design language, but in the most common 60cm size. It’s a strong option if your kitchen can’t comfortably take a 72cm hob but you want the same understated, modern appearance.
Smeg Cucina P272XGH vs Cucina SR275XGH2 (68cm)
The SR275XGH2 68cm Gas Hob sits just below the P272XGH in width. For many kitchens, that 68cm size is a sweet spot: more space than 60cm, but less demand on the worktop than 72cm or larger. If you’re concerned about clearances or extractor alignment, it’s worth comparing installation diagrams for both sizes to see which fits more easily.
Smeg Cucina P272XGH vs Victoria SR964XGH & SR975NGH
The Victoria range takes a different styling approach, with more traditional detailing that suits classic kitchens. The Victoria SR964XGH 60cm Gas Hob offers that look in a standard width, while the Victoria SR975NGH 68cm Gas Hob brings it to a slightly larger, black-finished footprint.
If you’re torn between the cleaner, more contemporary Cucina P272XGH and the characterful Victoria styling, consider the rest of your kitchen: do you have shaker doors, a range-style oven or classic handles? The Victoria models may blend more naturally. In a more minimal, handleless or modern space, the Cucina look can feel more consistent.
Budgeting, Value and Long-Term Use
Gas hobs from a recognised brand are rarely the absolute cheapest on the market, but they’re built with long-term use in mind. The Smeg Cucina P272XGH, for example, sits at a price point where you’re paying for design consistency, solid-feeling controls and a considered burner layout as much as raw specification.
Thinking beyond the headline price
When comparing models, weigh up:
- How long you expect to keep the hob before renovating again.
- How often you cook and whether layout comfort matters more than saving a small amount upfront.
- Whether a slightly more expensive width or style could make your kitchen more enjoyable every day.
Over a 10-year lifespan, the difference between mid-range models is often only a few pounds per year, so choosing the layout and finish you’ll be happy to live with can be more important than shaving the initial cost.
Where to Go Next
If you’re leaning towards a wider stainless model for a busy household kitchen, the Smeg Cucina P272XGH 72cm Gas Hob is a strong benchmark. To dive deeper into its burner arrangement, real-world performance and owner feedback, you can read our full review of the Smeg Cucina P272XGH here.
If you’re still deciding on size or style, the linked reviews of the Smeg Cucina and Victoria alternatives will help you compare layouts, finishes and day-to-day usability. Spend a little time weighing up your space, cooking habits and preferred look, and you’ll be far more confident choosing a gas hob that feels like it was made for your kitchen.