Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob with four burners, traditional rotary controls and a distinctive retro look. Finished in black enamel with chunky cast iron pan supports, it’s designed to be a focal point in a more classic kitchen.
Smeg sits firmly in the premium camp, and this hob reflects that, focusing on solid build, powerful heat and style rather than flashy extras. With a dedicated wok burner, automatic ignition and essential safety features, it aims to deliver reliable everyday cooking for households that still prefer the responsiveness of gas.
Owners rate it very highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from user reviews, suggesting that while it isn’t the cheapest 60cm hob around, most buyers feel the quality and performance justify the spend.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for households that cook most days and want a hob that feels sturdy and reassuring under heavy pans. If you like the instant control of gas and do plenty of frying, searing and boiling, the combination of four burners and robust cast iron supports will suit you well.
It’s pitched at mid-to-premium budgets rather than entry-level buyers. If you’re renovating a kitchen and want something that looks the part alongside a Smeg range cooker or Victoria oven, this hob is a natural fit. The classic styling, black finish and metal pan supports all help it blend into more traditional or shaker-style kitchens.
With simple rotary dials and automatic ignition, it’s a good option whether you’re fitting your first built-in hob or upgrading an older model. There are no complicated touch controls or digital timers to learn – you simply press, turn and cook.
It’s also a sensible pick if you’re on LPG rather than mains gas, as it’s LPG compatible and comes with the conversion kit included, making it suitable for rural homes, flats above shops or properties that rely on bottled gas.
The standout strength of the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is its build quality and stability. The cast iron pan supports are thick, heavy and sit securely, so large pots and heavy casseroles feel safe and steady across all four burners.
Performance-wise, the inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner up to 3.3 kW gives you intense heat when you need it – ideal for stir-fries, quick searing and getting big pans of water up to the boil without waiting around. The remaining burners span down to 1.05 kW, so you can also simmer sauces gently.
Everyday use is straightforward thanks to the front-mounted rotary controls and automatic ignition. You do not need a separate lighter; a simple turn of the dial lights the burner, which is particularly handy if you’re juggling multiple pans.
On the safety side, the flame failure device and automatic safety shut off give welcome peace of mind, especially in busy family kitchens. If a flame is blown out, the gas supply cuts automatically.
Finally, the 60cm width and low 3cm profile make it an easy drop-in replacement for many standard hobs, and the fact it’s made in Italy with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty adds confidence in its durability.
This is a premium-brand hob, and the price reflects that. You’re paying partly for the Smeg name and styling, so if you simply want the cheapest four-burner gas hob, there are more basic options for less.
Compared with some modern hobs, the feature set is intentionally simple. There’s no integrated timer, no control panel lock and no advanced functions such as automatic cooking programs or smart connectivity. If you like extra tech and child-locking, this may feel a little stripped back.
The enamel surface, while attractive, typically needs more care than stainless steel or glass to keep looking pristine. Spills left to burn on can be harder to remove and may mark over time if you’re not diligent with cleaning.
Installation also needs both an electrician to attach a plug or cable and a Gas Safe engineer for the gas connection, and the hose isn’t included. That’s standard for many built-in gas hobs, but still an extra cost to factor in.
Living with the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels very familiar if you’re used to traditional gas. The front-mounted rotary dials are clearly laid out and easy to grab, even when you’re reaching over a couple of pans. Automatic ignition means each burner lights with a push and twist, so you can get all four burners going quickly when cooking a big meal.
The layout of four burners with three different sizes makes it simple to match pan to burner: the ultra-rapid zone for woks and large pots, a medium burner for everyday frying and boiling, and smaller zones for rice, sauces or keeping things warm. The strong cast iron supports span the whole surface, so sliding pans around feels safe and controlled rather than precarious.
Because the hob surface is finished in black enamel, it hides light marks reasonably well, but you’ll want to wipe it down after cooking to avoid build-up. The pan supports are substantial, so they’re a little heavier to lift off for cleaning, but that’s the trade-off for stability.
Safety features work quietly in the background. The flame failure device and automatic safety shut off don’t change how you cook, but they do mean you can be more relaxed if you’re distracted by the doorbell or children while a pan is on the go.
At the heart of this hob is its gas performance. With a burner power range from 1.05 kW up to 3.3 kW, it covers everything from gentle melting and simmering to fast, rolling boils. The ultra-rapid burner is the workhorse for high-heat cooking, delivering the punch needed for proper stir-fries and searing steaks without crowding the pan.
The enamel surface and cast iron pan supports are designed for regular use. Cast iron is heavier than basic wire supports, but it distributes heat more evenly across the base of your pans and feels noticeably more solid. For anyone who batch cooks or uses large stockpots, that extra stability is reassuring.
Automatic ignition is built in to each burner, so you don’t have to hold down separate buttons or use matches. Combined with simple rotary controls at the front, it makes the hob accessible for most users, including those who might find touch controls fiddly.
In terms of safety, this model includes both a flame failure device and automatic safety shut off. If a burner goes out accidentally – from a spill or a draught – the gas supply is cut, helping to prevent leaks. This is particularly important in open-plan spaces and homes with children or pets.
From an installation perspective, it’s versatile. It’s LPG compatible and convertible, with the kit included in the box, so it can be set up for bottled gas as well as mains. Power-wise it only needs a 3 amp connection, but it does require an electrician to attach a plug or cable and a Gas Safe engineer to handle the gas side, which is standard for a built-in gas hob of this type.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH sits towards the upper end of the price range for a standard 60cm, four-burner gas hob. You’re not paying for a long list of digital extras; instead, your money goes into build quality, styling and brand reputation.
If you want simple cooking power at the lowest possible cost, there are cheaper models that will boil a pan of water just as effectively. Where this Smeg justifies its price is in the feel of the controls, the heft of the cast iron supports and the overall aesthetic – it looks and feels like a considered piece of kitchen equipment rather than a purely functional slab of metal.
The strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 backs this up. Owners clearly feel that, once installed, the hob delivers reliable performance and is pleasant to use day in, day out. The 2-year manufacturer’s warranty also adds some reassurance that you’re not making a short-term purchase.
For style-conscious buyers doing a kitchen refresh, or anyone already invested in Smeg appliances, the Victoria SR964NGH represents good value as part of a cohesive, premium look. For purely budget-driven shoppers, however, it may be more than you need.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-built, classy-looking 60cm gas hob that prioritises solid fundamentals over gimmicks. With a powerful wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and simple, reliable controls, it’s a great everyday partner for home cooks who value the responsiveness of gas and a traditional aesthetic.
Its drawbacks are mostly about cost and simplicity. You’re paying a premium for the Smeg styling, and you don’t get extras like timers, child locks or smart features that some rivals now include. The enamel surface also needs a bit of care to keep looking its best.
If you’re updating a kitchen and want a hob that feels robust, looks in keeping with classic or country-style décor and offers strong, controllable heat, this is an excellent choice. If you’re on a tight budget or want lots of tech-led features, a more basic or more modern-styled hob might be a better fit.