The Smeg Victoria SI964NM is a 60cm, four‑zone induction hob that blends traditional Smeg styling with the speed and control of modern induction cooking. Finished in black glass with front‑mounted rotary controls, it’s designed to sit neatly in a standard hob cut-out while bringing a slightly more retro look than touch‑control rivals.
With induction technology, automatic pan detection, QuickStart and a PowerBoost setting, it aims to offer quick, efficient everyday cooking rather than gimmicks. A 7.4kW electrical load and 32‑amp requirement mark it out as a serious bit of kit rather than an entry‑level upgrade.
Owners rate it very highly, with a 4.8 out of 5 score from over twenty reviews, suggesting that real‑world performance, ease of use and reliability are all strong for a premium branded hob.
The Smeg Victoria SI964NM suits households that want a premium, design‑led hob without sacrificing everyday practicality. If you’re upgrading a tired ceramic or gas hob and want something noticeably faster and safer, it’s a strong candidate.
A 60cm width and four zones make it ideal for small to medium‑sized kitchens and typical family cooking. You get enough space to run several pans at once without needing a larger cut‑out, so it works well in flats, terraces and standard semi‑detached homes.
It’s particularly well suited to cooks who value simple, tactile controls. The front‑mounted rotary dials will appeal if you dislike fiddly touch panels or have mobility issues in your hands. Induction power gives you rapid heat changes similar to gas, which keen home cooks tend to appreciate.
Budget‑wise, this sits in the premium end of the 60cm hob market. It’s best for buyers happy to pay a bit more for the Smeg name, Italian build and a slightly more characterful look, rather than those chasing the lowest possible price.
Induction technology means the hob heats the pan directly rather than the glass surface, giving very fast heat‑up times and better energy efficiency than traditional electric or ceramic hobs.
QuickStart and PowerBoost functions make a real difference to everyday cooking. Boiling water for pasta, heating a wok or searing steaks is noticeably quicker, cutting down on waiting around at the hob.
Automatic pan detection and residual heat indicators add useful safety. The hob only powers up when it detects a suitable pan, and it clearly shows when zones are still hot, reducing the risk of accidental burns.
The front‑mounted rotary controls are straightforward and intuitive. They’re easier to grab and turn than flat touch sliders, which some users find more precise and reassuring.
Build quality is solid, with a sleek glass surface and a clean black finish that pairs well with other Smeg Victoria appliances. A 2‑year manufacturer warranty adds a bit of peace of mind.
There’s no integrated timer on the hob, which many modern induction models now include. You’ll need to rely on an oven timer or a separate kitchen timer for precise cooking.
At 7,400 watts and requiring a 32‑amp hard‑wired connection, installation isn’t a plug‑and‑play job. You’ll need a qualified electrician and, in some homes, a check that the existing circuit can handle the load.
The four zones offer three different sizes but there’s no extendable or flexible cooking zone. If you regularly use very large or oddly shaped pans, a hob with bridge zones may suit you better.
As a premium Smeg model, it’s priced higher than many basic 60cm induction hobs. You’re partly paying for the design and brand heritage rather than an exhaustive list of advanced smart features.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SI964NM feels quick, responsive and reassuringly simple. Once installed, it’s just a case of lifting a pan onto a zone, turning the relevant rotary control and letting the pan detection and QuickStart take care of the rest.
Heat adjustments are immediate, so turning down from a rapid boil to a gentle simmer happens within seconds. The PowerBoost function is particularly handy when you’re short on time, getting a big pan of water up to temperature much faster than older electric hobs.
The glass surface is easy to wipe clean once it’s cool. Because induction doesn’t heat the glass as much as traditional hobs, spills are less likely to bake on, so a quick wipe usually deals with everyday mess.
Front‑mounted controls are convenient, though they do sit closer to the edge than rear touch panels, so you’ll want to be mindful of small children reaching up. The control panel lock helps here, preventing curious hands from accidentally activating the hob.
Overall, it feels like a well‑behaved kitchen workhorse: fast when you need it, predictable when you’re simmering, and uncomplicated to keep looking smart.
With a 7,400‑watt electrical connection and a burner power range of 1.3 to 3 kW, the Victoria SI964NM delivers strong, controllable heat across its four zones. Whether you’re gently melting chocolate or blasting a pan for stir‑fry, there’s enough headroom to cope comfortably.
Induction is the star of the show here. Because it heats the pan rather than the glass, it’s both fast and efficient. The automatic pan detection ensures power only flows when a suitable pot is detected, helping to reduce wasted energy and giving an extra layer of safety.
Smeg’s QuickStart feature means zones spring into action as soon as a pan is placed, rather than needing a long pre‑heat. The PowerBoost function then adds a short burst of extra power when you need intense heat, ideal for big pots of water or fast searing.
Safety is well covered. Automatic safety shut‑off helps prevent overheating or accidental operation, while residual heat indicators show at a glance which zones are still too hot to touch. The control panel lock makes it harder for children to switch the hob on.
The glass surface gives a sleek, modern look and should prove durable with normal care. Although there’s no flexible bridging zone or built‑in timers, the feature set hits the key points most home cooks need, especially if you prefer straightforward, hands‑on control over app connectivity or complex presets.
This is a premium‑priced 60cm induction hob, and you can certainly find cheaper alternatives if budget is your main concern. What you’re paying for here is a blend of Smeg’s design language, strong induction performance and simple, dependable controls.
The 4.8 out of 5 owner rating suggests buyers feel they are getting their money’s worth, particularly around heat speed, control and overall build quality. For many, that kind of long‑term satisfaction is worth spending a bit more upfront.
If you’re comparing purely on box‑ticking features, the lack of a timer or flexible zone might make some similarly priced rivals look more generous. However, if you value style, ease of use and solid day‑to‑day performance over extra modes you may never use, the Victoria SI964NM offers fair value in the premium bracket.
Those on tighter budgets may prefer a more basic induction hob, but for design‑conscious buyers who want a quality feel and reliable performance, the price is justifiable.
The Smeg Victoria SI964NM 60cm induction hob is a stylish, well‑built option for anyone wanting to modernise their kitchen with fast, efficient induction cooking. It delivers strong everyday performance, intuitive rotary controls and genuinely useful extras like QuickStart, PowerBoost and pan detection.
It’s not the most feature‑packed hob on the market. There’s no built‑in timer or flexible bridging zones, and the installation requirements mean you’ll need a proper electrical connection. Factor in the premium price and it’s clearly aimed at buyers who care as much about looks and brand as they do about ticking every possible box.
If you’re after a dependable, attractive induction hob from a respected brand, and you like the idea of straightforward, tactile controls, this Smeg model is easy to recommend. If you need advanced features or are working to a strict budget, it’s worth exploring alternatives, but for many homes this will be a satisfying and long‑lasting upgrade.
