The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob that mixes classic styling with modern safety features. Finished in black enamel with heavy cast iron pan supports, it’s clearly aimed at anyone who wants a traditional look without giving up performance.
With four burners including a powerful wok zone and automatic ignition, it’s a straightforward, no‑nonsense hob rather than a gadget-packed showpiece. The price sits in the premium bracket for a 60cm gas hob, but the Smeg name and Italian build quality are part of what you’re paying for.
Owners rate it very highly, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from user reviews, suggesting that day‑to‑day reliability, heat output and ease of use all live up to expectations.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for households that cook regularly and want something more substantial than a basic stainless steel hob. The 60cm width and four-burner layout will suit most standard UK kitchens, whether you’re upgrading an older built-in hob or fitting out a new space.
It’s a particularly good fit for keen home cooks who like to stir-fry, sear and generally cook at higher temperatures. The dedicated wok burner offers rapid, intense heat that standard burners struggle to match, making it easier to get that proper sizzle in the pan.
Budget-wise, this is better seen as a mid-to-premium choice rather than an entry-level buy. If you simply want the cheapest possible gas hob, there are plainer models available. But if you value design, build quality and a cohesive look with other Smeg Victoria appliances, this model makes a lot more sense.
It also suits anyone who prefers simple, tactile controls over touch panels. The front-mounted rotary dials and automatic ignition make it straightforward for first-time users, older cooks and families who just want something intuitive and dependable.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner, which delivers quick, intense heat for stir-fries, large pans and fast boiling. It makes a noticeable difference compared with a hob where all the burners feel much the same.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports give the hob a solid, high-end feel and make it easier to slide pans around without them tipping or snagging. They also complement the retro styling and should stand up well to years of use.
Automatic ignition built into the controls means you simply turn the dial and the burner lights – no separate spark button, no matches. Combined with the straightforward rotary knobs on the front, the layout is very intuitive.
Safety is well covered thanks to flame failure devices and automatic safety shut-off. If a flame goes out accidentally, the gas supply is cut, offering extra peace of mind, especially in busy family kitchens.
The hob is LPG compatible and comes with a conversion kit included, which is a big plus if you’re on bottled gas in a rural property or fitting it into a holiday home.
There’s no timer, control panel lock or any smart extras, so if you’re used to touch controls, automatic cooking programs or linked extraction, this will feel quite traditional.
The enamel surface, while attractive, usually needs a bit more careful cleaning than brushed stainless steel or glass to keep it looking its best, especially around the burners.
For the price, some buyers might expect extra convenience touches such as individual burner indicators or a slightly more flexible burner layout. You’re largely paying for style, build and the Smeg badge rather than a long list of advanced features.
Finally, the 2-year warranty is decent but not exceptional in this price range, where some rivals offer longer cover.
Living with the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is largely about straightforward, predictable cooking. The four burners cover everyday tasks well – you can have a large pan or wok on the ultra-rapid burner while using the others for simmering sauces or boiling vegetables.
The front-mounted rotary dials are easy to see and reach, so you’re not leaning across hot pans to adjust the flame. Automatic ignition built into each control makes starting a burner a single, smooth action.
Cast iron pan supports create a stable, continuous surface across the hob, so moving heavy pots from one burner to another feels secure. Their weight also helps them stay firmly in place when you’re stirring vigorously.
Cleaning is typical of an enamel gas hob: the supports lift off, as do the burner caps, so you can wipe the surface underneath. Spills can bake on around the burners if left, so a quick wipe after cooking will keep the glossy black finish looking smart.
Installation does require both electrical connection (for ignition) and a Gas Safe engineer for the gas hook-up, which is standard for built-in gas hobs but worth factoring into your planning.
In terms of raw cooking performance, the burner power range of 1.05 to 3.3 kW is well judged for a 60cm hob. The smaller burners provide gentle heat for simmering and delicate sauces, while the ultra-rapid burner delivers punchy power when you need a rolling boil or high-heat sear.
The dedicated wok burner is the star attraction. It concentrates heat effectively in the centre of the pan, helping you achieve crisp stir-fries rather than stewed vegetables. It’s equally handy for large stockpots or big pasta pans, cutting down waiting time.
Safety is thoroughly covered. The flame failure safety device monitors each burner and cuts the gas if the flame goes out unexpectedly, reducing the risk of gas build-up. Automatic safety shut-off adds another layer of protection, reassuring for families and open-plan kitchens.
The hob surface is finished in black enamel, which gives a vintage look that fits the broader Smeg Victoria range. Beneath the style, it’s still a classic gas layout with four zones and three different burner sizes, so you can match pans to burners without over- or under-heating.
Feature-wise, it deliberately steers away from modern bells and whistles such as touch-sensitive controls, timers or Wi‑Fi connectivity. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials very well: dependable ignition, precise flame adjustment and solid supports, all wrapped in a distinctive design.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is not a budget hob. You’re paying a premium compared with very basic 60cm gas hobs that offer similar burner counts but plainer looks and lighter build quality.
Where it justifies its price is in design, construction and day-to-day feel. The cast iron supports, powerful wok burner and Italian-made finish help it stand out in a crowded market of generic hobs. If you’re fitting a styled kitchen or coordinating with other Smeg Victoria appliances, the extra spend can be easy to justify.
The strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests that buyers generally feel they’ve had good value from it, with performance and reliability living up to expectations.
If you simply want functional gas burners at the lowest possible price, there are cheaper options. But if you’re prepared to pay more for both aesthetics and a more substantial, premium-feeling hob, the SR964NGH offers solid value for money.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a stylish, well-built 60cm gas hob that delivers reliable performance and genuinely powerful heat where it counts. The combination of a strong wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and simple, intuitive controls makes everyday cooking feel effortless.
It’s best suited to design-conscious households and keen cooks who appreciate both the look and the feel of a premium hob, and who don’t mind paying extra for the Smeg badge and retro styling. If you’re after lots of smart features, digital timers or touch controls, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Overall, this is a high-quality, traditional gas hob with a premium finish and excellent user feedback. If you want a classic-looking hob that cooks quickly, feels solid and ties in neatly with a more characterful kitchen, the Victoria SR964NGH is a very strong contender.
