Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob that blends traditional styling with a solid everyday spec. Finished in black enamel with chunky cast-iron pan supports, it’s clearly aimed at buyers who like a more classic look without sacrificing practicality.
With four burners, including a powerful ultra-rapid wok burner, it’s well suited to most UK family kitchens. Automatic ignition, front-mounted rotary dials and built-in safety shut-off keep things simple and reassuring.
User reviews are very strong, with an average 4.8 out of 5 from multiple owners, suggesting that, in real homes, it’s performing very reliably and justifying its premium-brand price tag.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for households that want a stylish, traditional-looking hob with modern safety and a strong everyday cooking performance. If you’re updating a classic or country-style kitchen and don’t want sleek glass or stainless steel, the black enamel finish and heavy cast-iron supports will feel right at home.
With four burners and three different burner sizes, it’s a good fit for couples and families who cook most days but don’t need a large 5- or 6-burner layout. The inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner makes it especially appealing if you regularly stir-fry, sear meat or bring big pans to the boil quickly.
This is a mid to upper mid-range gas hob, so it suits buyers willing to pay a bit more for design, brand reputation and build quality rather than chasing the absolute lowest price.
It’s also a sensible choice if you want straightforward controls and low fuss rather than complex digital timers and touch controls. First-time gas hob owners and confident home cooks alike will find it easy to live with.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner, delivering up to 3.3 kW of heat. That means fast boiling times and enough punch for proper stir-fries and searing, something many basic 4-burner hobs struggle with.
Sturdy cast-iron pan supports give the hob a premium feel and keep pots stable, even when you’re using larger pans or moving things around briskly. They also span the surface well, making it easier to slide pans from one burner to another.
Everyday operation is simple thanks to the front-mounted rotary dials and automatic ignition – turn and press to light, with no separate ignition button to faff with. The layout is intuitive, so anyone in the household can get used to it quickly.
On the safety side, there’s automatic safety shut-off and a flame failure device, which cuts the gas if the flame goes out. Combined with compatibility for both natural gas and LPG (with a conversion kit included), it’s versatile and reassuring for a wide range of homes.
Finally, the slim 3cm profile and standard 60cm width make it an easy upgrade for most existing cut-outs, while the strong user rating suggests owners are happy with both performance and reliability.
This is a fairly traditional gas hob, so you don’t get extras like a built-in timer, touch controls, or a child lock on the dials. If you’re used to more advanced features or want extra safeguards around curious kids, you may find the spec a little basic for the price.
The enamel surface, while classic and hard-wearing, typically needs a bit more care to keep looking pristine compared with some modern glass or stainless-steel options that can wipe cleaner. Spills left to dry may take more elbow grease to remove.
There are only four burners, and no extra-small dedicated simmer zone or fifth burner. For most households that’s plenty, but if you often cook with lots of pans at once, a larger hob might suit you better.
The manufacturer warranty is a standard 2 years, which is decent but not class-leading in a market where some brands offer longer cover on certain models.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels reassuringly solid. The cast-iron pan supports add weight and stability, so even heavier casserole dishes and stock pots sit securely. Once you’re used to their layout, you can comfortably slide pans across without lifting.
Lighting the burners is straightforward: the automatic ignition is integrated into the rotary dials, so a simple push-and-turn brings the flame to life. The front control position means you’re not reaching over hot pans, which is especially handy on busy weeknights.
With three different burner sizes and a power range from 1.05 to 3.3 kW, it’s easy to match burners to tasks – from gently simmering sauces on a smaller burner to using the ultra-rapid zone for woks, big pots of pasta or quick boiling.
Cleaning will mostly involve removing the pan supports and wiping down the enamel surface. The flat profile and relatively compact 60cm width make this manageable, though the enamel finish rewards regular wiping rather than leaving spills to bake on.
Installation requires both an electrician to attach the plug or cable and a Gas Safe registered engineer to connect the gas supply. Once professionally fitted, there’s little ongoing faff – just occasional cleaning and the usual safety checks you’d expect with any gas appliance.
For a 60cm hob, performance is strong. The 3.3 kW ultra-rapid burner is the workhorse, giving you intense, even heat for stir-fries, searing and rapid boiling. The remaining burners cover lower power levels down to 1.05 kW, giving you a decent spread for simmering and everyday cooking.
As a straightforward gas hob, responsiveness is excellent – you see the flame change instantly as you turn the dials, making temperature control intuitive. This immediacy is a big part of why gas still appeals to keen home cooks, and the Smeg delivers well in that regard.
The hob surface is enamel, which is durable and resists chipping when looked after. Combined with the cast-iron supports, the whole unit feels robust and built for regular use. The classic Victoria styling makes it particularly appealing if you’re pairing it with other Smeg Victoria ovens or range-style appliances.
Safety features are well covered: automatic safety shut-off and a flame failure device are built in, giving peace of mind if a pan boils over or a draught blows out the flame. Automatic ignition also means you’re not juggling matches or lighters around gas.
On the practical side, LPG compatibility with a supplied conversion kit makes this a flexible option for homes not on mains gas or for future changes if you move. While it doesn’t offer advanced smart features or timers, the core specification is solid and focused on reliable heat, robust construction and everyday convenience.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH sits in the premium end of the 60cm gas hob market, reflecting both the Smeg name and the traditional Victoria styling. You can certainly find cheaper 4-burner hobs, but they often lack the same design pedigree, heavy-duty pan supports and higher-powered wok burner.
Given its strong 4.8 out of 5 user rating from existing owners, the hob appears to justify its price for those who value build quality and style alongside performance. The two-year warranty is reasonable, and features like automatic safety shut-off, flame failure protection and LPG convertibility add to its long-term practicality.
If your priority is the lowest possible cost, this probably won’t be your first choice. But if you’re investing in a kitchen where the hob is on show and you want a dependable, attractive centrepiece with enough power for serious cooking, it represents good value within the premium bracket.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-executed, traditionally styled gas hob that delivers where it counts: strong heat from its ultra-rapid burner, sturdy cast-iron supports and straightforward, reliable controls. It feels solid and purposeful, and its excellent owner ratings back up the impression of quality.
It’s not the most feature-packed hob on the market, and you won’t find digital timers, touch controls or a child lock. The enamel surface also demands a bit of care if you want to keep it looking its best. But those trade-offs will be minor for buyers who value classic looks, robust construction and simple, predictable operation.
If you’re upgrading a 60cm gas hob and want something that looks as good as it cooks – especially in a more traditional kitchen – the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH should be high on your shortlist. Those needing more burners, extra safety features for children or a tighter budget may want to explore alternatives, but for many households this will be a very satisfying long-term choice.