Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob finished in black enamel, designed to bring traditional styling and solid performance to a modern kitchen. With four burners, sturdy cast iron supports and a powerful wok burner, it aims to cover everything from quick midweek meals to more adventurous weekend cooking.
Smeg sits firmly in the premium camp, and this hob follows that pattern: it’s not the cheapest 60cm gas hob around, but it does promise better build quality and a more upmarket look than basic models. Owners seem very happy with it too, with an excellent user rating and positive feedback on reliability and ease of use.
If you like the idea of a classic-looking gas hob that still has the safety features and burner performance you’d expect from a modern appliance, this model is well worth a closer look.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits households that cook regularly but don’t need a huge, professional-style hob. With four burners and three different burner sizes, it’s ideal for couples and families who want the flexibility to simmer sauces, boil pasta and stir-fry on a wok without wasting worktop space.
Given its premium brand and finish, this hob is best for buyers with a mid-range to higher budget who value design and build quality as much as raw price. If you’re upgrading a kitchen and want something that looks in keeping with more traditional or shaker-style units, the Victoria styling fits in very nicely.
It also works well for mixed-ability cooks. The rotary dials and automatic ignition are straightforward for beginners, while the ultra-rapid wok burner and precise flame control will keep more confident home cooks happy.
If you live in a home without mains gas, the included LPG conversion kit means it’s also a strong option for rural properties, flats on bottled gas or holiday homes.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner, delivering quick, intense heat up to 3.3kW. It’s perfect for authentic stir-fries, fast boiling and searing meat, giving you the sort of punch cheaper hobs often lack.
Cast iron pan supports are another real plus. They feel solid and stable under heavy pans, spread the weight nicely and add to the premium look. They also cope better with high heat than lighter enamelled trivets.
Everyday usability is strong. Automatic ignition built into the rotary controls means you can turn and light each burner in one motion, with no separate ignition button to faff with. The front-mounted dials are easy to see and reach, which is especially handy when juggling multiple pans.
Safety is well covered. The flame failure device and automatic safety shut-off help cut the gas if a flame goes out, offering extra peace of mind in busy family kitchens. The hob is also LPG compatible with the conversion kit included, which saves you a separate purchase if you’re on bottled gas.
There’s no built-in timer or control panel lock, which some newer hobs offer. Most people won’t miss these, but if you’re used to setting timers on your hob or want extra protection from little hands, you’ll need to rely on your oven timer or a separate device.
The enamel surface, while attractive, can show marks and burnt-on spills more readily than some glass tops and may need a bit more care to keep looking pristine. Cast iron supports also tend to be heavier and can be a bit awkward to lift off for cleaning.
With only four burners and a standard 60cm width, this hob won’t suit very large households or keen entertainers who regularly run five or six pans at once. If you often cook big, multi-course meals, you may find the layout a little limiting.
Finally, Smeg’s premium positioning and design mean you’re likely paying more than for a very basic 60cm gas hob with similar core functions, so it’s not the best choice if you’re on a tight budget and simply want the cheapest option that does the job.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is straightforward to live with. The front-mounted rotary dials are clearly laid out, so it’s easy to see which burner you’re controlling, and automatic ignition means the gas lights promptly without repeated clicking.
The mix of burner sizes, from a small 1.05kW burner up to the 3.3kW wok burner, makes it easy to match the flame to your cookware. You can gently simmer a sauce on the smallest zone while keeping a rolling boil going for pasta on a larger burner, avoiding scorching or slow cooking times.
Stability is excellent thanks to the cast iron pan supports. Large pots and heavy casserole dishes sit securely without wobbling, which is reassuring when you’re stirring or moving pans around. The traditional grid design also makes it simple to slide pans from one burner to another.
Cleaning is fairly typical for a gas hob. The enamel surface is smooth, so everyday splashes wipe away with a non-abrasive cleaner, but burnt-on spills may need a soak. The cast iron supports lift off for a deeper clean, though their weight means you’ll want to handle them with a bit of care.
Performance is strong for a 60cm, four-burner gas hob. The burner power range from 1.05kW to 3.3kW covers gentle simmering through to high-heat cooking, with the ultra-rapid burner providing the punch needed for wok cooking and rapid boiling. For most households, that mix is more than enough.
The hob surface is enamel, which gives a classic, slightly retro look in keeping with the Victoria range. Combined with the black finish and chunky cast iron supports, it feels far more upmarket than many entry-level stainless steel models, making it a good match for style-led kitchens.
Key safety features are all present. Flame failure safety devices on the burners help ensure the gas is cut if the flame accidentally goes out, while automatic safety shut-off adds another layer of protection. These are particularly valuable in family homes or open-plan spaces.
For fuel flexibility, the hob is LPG compatible and supplied with a conversion kit, so a Gas Safe engineer can easily set it up for bottled gas. That makes it a versatile choice if you ever move or if your property isn’t on the mains grid.
While it lacks smart features or digital controls, the simplicity will appeal to many. There’s less to go wrong, and the rotary dials give precise, intuitive control over the flame—something experienced cooks often prefer to touchscreens or push-button interfaces.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is priced as a premium 60cm gas hob, reflecting its brand, build quality and styling rather than an extensive list of advanced extras. You can certainly find cheaper four-burner hobs, but they’re unlikely to match the finish, burner refinement and traditional design of this model.
Given the strong user rating and the inclusion of desirable features like the ultra-rapid wok burner, cast iron supports and full safety protection, it offers solid value for buyers who care about look and feel as well as function. You’re paying for a well-made, Italian-built appliance that should integrate seamlessly into a higher-quality kitchen.
If you simply want the lowest-cost basic hob, this won’t be the best financial fit. But if you’re upgrading a kitchen and want a stylish, reliable gas hob that feels a step up from standard models without reaching luxury designer pricing, the SR964NGH makes a convincing case.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-rounded 60cm gas hob that successfully blends classic styling with modern safety and solid cooking performance. The powerful wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and straightforward controls make everyday cooking feel assured and fuss-free.
It’s particularly appealing for style-conscious buyers and families who cook regularly but don’t need more than four burners. The LPG compatibility and strong safety credentials further widen its appeal, especially in homes where versatility and peace of mind matter.
If you’re on a very tight budget or need a larger hob with more zones, there are better-suited options. But for those happy to pay a bit more for a premium look, dependable performance and an excellent user reputation, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a very strong choice.