The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob in black, designed for those who like traditional knob controls and visible flames, but still want a smart, well-finished centrepiece for the kitchen. With four burners and sturdy cast iron pan supports, it’s a straightforward, unfussy option from a premium Italian brand.
This is very much a mid-sized hob aimed at typical UK households rather than huge family kitchens. The inclusion of a high-powered wok burner and automatic ignition lifts it above basic entry-level models.
Owners clearly rate it highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from multiple reviews, suggesting it’s reliable, easy to live with and performs as well in real homes as it does on paper.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for medium-sized households that do a mix of everyday cooking and the odd more ambitious meal. Four burners give you enough space to juggle pans for a family dinner without taking up more worktop than a standard 60cm cut-out.
It suits buyers who prefer the instant response of gas and like the reassurance of chunky cast iron pan supports. If you regularly cook with larger frying pans, stockpots or a wok, the dedicated ultra-rapid burner will be a big plus.
This hob is best for those looking for a solid, stylish mid to upper mid-range option rather than a rock-bottom budget buy. You’re paying for Smeg’s design and build, not a long list of clever electronics. That makes it particularly appealing if you value classic looks, tactile rotary dials and proven gas performance over touchscreens and timers.
It’s also a strong choice for anyone on LPG or planning a move, as the hob is LPG compatible and supplied with a conversion kit, giving flexibility for different homes and fuel setups.
The four-burner layout with three different burner sizes makes the hob genuinely versatile, from gently simmering sauces on the smaller zones to boiling pasta or searing steaks on the larger ones.
The ultra-rapid wok burner is a standout strength, delivering quick, intense heat that’s ideal for stir-fries, fast boiling or getting a heavy pan up to temperature without waiting around.
Cast iron pan supports give the hob a premium, professional feel. They’re more robust than basic enamel supports, grip pans well and make it easier to slide cookware between burners without lifting.
Everyday operation is made simple by the front-mounted rotary dials and automatic ignition. You can light and adjust burners with one hand, which is especially handy when you’re already juggling pans.
Safety is well covered for a gas hob, thanks to flame failure devices and automatic safety shut off. If a flame goes out unexpectedly, the gas flow is cut off, adding peace of mind in busy family kitchens.
There’s no built-in timer or control lock, so if you like to set cooking times on the hob itself or want an extra safeguard with children around, you may miss those features.
The enamel surface, while smart in black, can mark or show scratches more readily than some higher-end glass or stainless finishes, so it may need a bit more care to keep looking pristine.
At this level you’re paying for solid build and style rather than a long list of advanced functions. If you want features like digital displays, automatic cooking programmes or integrated smart controls, you’ll need to look at more fully featured alternatives.
Installation requires both an electrician to attach the power cable and a Gas Safe engineer for the gas connection, and the hose is not included, so it’s worth factoring in those extra costs if you’re upgrading from an older hob.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is designed to be straightforward. The front-mounted rotary controls are easy to see and reach, so you’re not having to lean over hot pans just to adjust the flame. Automatic ignition means there’s no fiddling with matches or separate spark buttons – you simply turn the dial and it lights.
The four-burner layout on a standard 60cm width gives a sensible amount of space for most UK kitchens. You can comfortably run two larger pans and a couple of smaller ones at once, and the cast iron supports make it easy to shuffle cookware around without losing stability.
Cleaning is helped by the relatively flat enamel surface, though as with most gas hobs you’ll need to lift off the pan supports and burner caps for a proper wipe-down. The dark black finish does a good job of hiding light marks between cleans, but grease splashes will still show if you leave them for too long.
Noise and vibration are minimal; as a traditional gas hob there are no fans or pumps to worry about. Once installed, you simply plug it in (via the electrician’s fitted cable) for ignition and get on with cooking.
In performance terms, the SR964NGH focuses on strong, predictable gas output. With a burner power range from 1.05kW up to 3.3kW, it covers everything from low, steady simmers to rapid boiling. The ultra-rapid burner is especially useful when you need a blast of heat – ideal for wok cooking or quickly bringing a large pot up to the boil.
Having three different burner sizes gives you more control over matching pans to the right flame. Smaller burners suit delicate sauces and melting tasks, while the larger ones handle bigger pans without flames licking up the sides. This helps maintain even heating and reduces the risk of scorching.
The cast iron pan supports are not just about looks. They provide a stable platform that feels secure, even with heavier cookware, and their durability should see them through years of regular use. Combined with the enamel surface, the hob strikes a good balance between traditional styling and practical robustness.
On the safety side, the flame failure device and automatic safety shut off system are key features. If a pan boils over or a draft blows out a flame, the gas supply is cut, significantly reducing risk. Automatic ignition on all burners also means you don’t have to worry about gas flowing before the flame is lit.
Feature-wise, this is deliberately simple. There’s no timer, no touch controls and no digital display. Instead, it leans on tried-and-tested gas functionality, straightforward knobs and compatibility with both mains gas and LPG (with the included conversion kit) to cover most households’ needs reliably.
With a price that sits in the mid to upper end of standard 60cm gas hobs, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH isn’t a bargain-basement choice, but it does justify its positioning with quality materials, a powerful wok burner and reassuring safety features.
You’re paying partly for Smeg’s distinctive design and Italian build, so it will appeal most to buyers who care how their hob looks as well as how it cooks. The two-year manufacturer warranty is respectable, if not class-leading, and adds some extra confidence in long-term reliability.
The strong owner rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests that most buyers feel they’ve had good value from it in real-world use. If you simply want the cheapest possible four-burner hob, there are more basic models around. But if you’re happy to invest a little more for sturdier pan supports, a beefy wok burner and classic styling, the SR964NGH represents solid value.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-judged blend of traditional gas cooking and premium finishing touches. It delivers the essentials – four burners, a powerful high-output zone and automatic ignition – wrapped in a smart black enamel design with cast iron supports that feels a step up from entry-level rivals.
It won’t suit everyone. Those prioritising advanced features like built-in timers, touch controls or smart connectivity will find this hob relatively basic. Likewise, if you’re on a very tight budget, Smeg’s premium branding may push it beyond what you want to spend.
For households that value simple, robust controls, flexible burner sizes and a strong wok burner, though, it’s an excellent choice. Backed by very positive owner reviews and a solid safety spec, the SR964NGH stands out as a dependable, stylish gas hob that should serve a busy kitchen well for years.
