The Hotpoint HR 724 B H is a 77cm built‑in ceramic hob designed to offer straightforward everyday cooking in a sleek black glass finish. With four cooking zones, including a dual zone, it aims to give a bit more flexibility than a basic four‑ring hob.
Hotpoint is well known in the UK for reliable, mid‑range kitchen appliances, and this model follows that template: unfussy design, practical features and a focus on safety. At this price it sits in the mid to upper end of standard ceramic hobs rather than the bargain basement.
An owner rating of 4.8 out of 5 from existing buyers is an excellent sign, suggesting it heats evenly, is easy to use and generally lives up to expectations in real kitchens.
The Hotpoint HR 724 B H suits households that want a modern-looking electric hob without jumping up to the cost of induction. If you’re moving from older solid‑plate electric rings or a tired ceramic model, this is a clear step up in both usability and style.
Its 77cm width makes it a good fit for medium to larger kitchens where you’ve got a bit more worktop space and want more elbow room between pans. The mix of large, small and a dual zone burner works well for everyday family cooking, from a quick midweek pasta to a pan of Sunday gravy.
It’s also a strong choice for safety‑conscious households. The residual heat indicators and child lock will reassure anyone with curious children or shared accommodation, where you want to be sure controls can’t be pressed accidentally.
If you’re on a tight budget or rarely cook more than a simple one‑pot meal, a smaller or cheaper ceramic hob could be enough. But if you’d like user‑friendly touch controls, a timer and a slightly more flexible layout without going fully premium, this model is a sensible middle‑ground.
The 77cm width gives noticeably more room than standard 60cm hobs, so you’re less likely to knock pans together when all four zones are in use.
Touch controls on the front edge keep everything fingertip‑simple and make the surface completely flat, so spills wipe away quickly without knobs getting in the way.
A dual cooking zone adds welcome flexibility, letting you match the heated area more closely to small or large pans and avoid wasting energy heating unused glass.
Residual heat indicators show exactly which zones are still hot, making it easier to avoid burns and to use leftover heat smartly for keeping food warm.
The child lock disables the controls, which is especially useful in busy family kitchens where little hands might wander.
A built‑in electronic timer helps you stay on top of boiling pasta, simmering sauces or steaming veg without reaching for a separate kitchen timer.
As a ceramic hob rather than induction, it won’t heat up or respond quite as quickly, and the glass stays hot for longer after you switch it off.
There’s only a basic 1‑year manufacturer warranty, which feels a little short for a built‑in appliance you expect to last for years.
There’s no built‑in display or advanced cooking programs, so you miss out on more detailed feedback and smart features found on some higher‑end models.
The front‑mounted touch controls are convenient but may be easier to brush accidentally while cleaning or leaning over the hob compared with side‑mounted designs.
Living with the Hotpoint HR 724 B H is all about simplicity. The front‑mounted touch panel puts every control within easy reach, without having to stretch over hot pans. With no protruding knobs, there’s nothing to trap grease; a quick wipe with a soft cloth is usually all it takes to get the black glass looking presentable again.
The four zones are laid out to give a good mix of sizes for different pans. The dual zone is particularly handy for swapping between a small milk pan and a larger frying pan without having to move everything around. Once you’ve used it a couple of times, picking the right zone quickly becomes second nature.
The residual heat indicators are very visible, clearly showing which areas you still need to avoid. This also makes it easier to use leftover heat for gently keeping dishes warm, which can help save a bit of energy over time.
The child lock is straightforward to activate and gives peace of mind when the hob isn’t in use. Combined with the flat surface, it also means cleaning around the controls doesn’t risk switching anything on by mistake, as long as you lock the panel first.
In day‑to‑day cooking, the HR 724 B H focuses on steady, predictable heat. The combination of large, small and a dual zone means you can tailor each ring to its job: a large zone for boiling water or stir‑frying, the small zone for simmering sauces, and the dual zone for flexible tasks like big pasta pots or wide sauté pans.
The touch‑sensitive control system allows precise setting changes without feeling fiddly. Being able to tap through power levels rather than twist a knob gives you more control over simmering and gentle heating, which is important on ceramic surfaces that hold heat.
Safety has been well considered. Residual heat indicators reduce the risk of burns and remind you that the glass will stay hot for a while after cooking. The child lock adds another layer of protection by blocking accidental touches, which is particularly valuable in open‑plan kitchens.
An electronic timer built into the hob itself is more than just a convenience; it helps prevent overcooking and can be used to time individual pans. For busy evenings when you’re juggling multiple dishes, having that countdown at your fingertips makes life easier.
While it lacks extras such as a built‑in display with advanced functions or integrated extraction, the feature set covers the essentials well for a ceramic hob: flexible zones, clear safety cues and responsive touch control.
At its current price, the Hotpoint HR 724 B H sits in the mid to slightly higher bracket for standard ceramic hobs, reflecting its wider 77cm size and more flexible layout. You’re paying a bit more than you would for a basic 60cm four‑zone model, but in return you gain extra space, a dual cooking zone and a smarter look.
The strong 4.8 out of 5 owner rating suggests most buyers feel they’ve had good value, with the hob doing exactly what they hoped without nasty surprises. For households that cook regularly but don’t need the speed and premium cost of induction, it offers a sensible balance of price, performance and safety.
If your budget stretches further and you want the absolute quickest response and lowest running costs, an induction hob may be a better long‑term investment. For many family kitchens, though, this Hotpoint gives plenty of everyday usability and a quality feel at a justifiable price point.
The Hotpoint HR 724 B H 77cm ceramic hob is a well‑judged option for busy households that want a modern, easy‑clean surface with straightforward controls and a bit more room to cook. The dual zone, safety features and integrated timer all contribute to a reassuringly user‑friendly experience.
It’s not trying to compete with high‑end induction or feature‑packed smart hobs, and you do only get a standard 1‑year warranty. But judged as a mid‑range ceramic model, its layout, flexibility and strong customer feedback make it a very solid choice.
If you’re upgrading an older electric hob and have the worktop space for 77cm, this Hotpoint is an excellent candidate: simple to live with, practical for everyday meals and sensibly priced for what it offers.
