Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built‑in gas hob that mixes traditional styling with a straightforward, no‑nonsense cooking experience. Finished in black enamel with chunky controls, it’s designed to complement classic or farmhouse‑style kitchens without feeling dated.
With four burners including a high‑powered wok zone, sturdy cast iron pan supports and automatic ignition, it has the core features most households need. Priced at the premium end of standard 60cm gas hobs, it’s clearly pitched as a step up from basic models.
Owners seem very happy with it too: the strong 4.8 out of 5 user rating from multiple reviews suggests it’s not just a pretty face, but a reliable everyday workhorse.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits anyone who wants a traditional, built‑in 60cm gas hob with a smarter finish than entry‑level appliances. If you’re refreshing a kitchen and want something that looks in keeping with a classic or period style, this will sit neatly alongside range‑style ovens and traditional cabinetry.
It’s a good fit for medium‑sized households that cook regularly but don’t need a huge bank of burners. The four zones, with three different sizes and a powerful wok burner, cover most day‑to‑day cooking, from boiling pasta to searing steaks and stir‑frying.
Budget‑wise, it’s more of a premium mid‑range option than a bargain buy. If you’re simply after the cheapest possible hob, there are more basic models. But if you’re willing to pay more for design, solid build and a reputable Italian brand, it makes sense.
It’s also well suited to users who prefer simple, tactile controls. Rotary dials at the front, automatic ignition and clearly laid‑out burners make it easy for first‑time buyers and confident home cooks alike, without any touchscreens or complex settings to learn.
The inclusion of a dedicated wok burner is a real asset if you enjoy fast stir‑fries or need intense heat for searing and boiling. With power up to 3.3 kW, it gives a proper high‑flame boost that many basic 60cm hobs lack.
Cast iron pan supports add to the premium feel. They’re heavier and more stable than enamelled wire, so pans sit securely and slide more smoothly between burners. They also hold up well over time if you cook frequently.
Automatic ignition built into the rotary dials makes lighting each burner quick and intuitive – no separate ignition button, no matches, just turn and cook. The front‑mounted controls are easy to reach and read, which is handy when you’re juggling multiple pans.
Safety is well covered too. Flame failure devices and automatic safety shut‑off help cut the gas if a flame goes out or there’s a problem, giving extra reassurance in busy family kitchens.
Finally, it’s LPG compatible with a conversion kit included. That makes it a flexible choice for homes running on bottled gas, holiday properties or rural locations without mains gas.
You’re paying a premium for the Smeg name and Victoria styling, yet the feature set is fairly straightforward. There are no timers, no control panel lock and no smart or touch controls, so it’s not as feature‑rich as some similarly priced modern hobs.
The enamel surface, while classic and easy to match with traditional appliances, won’t be as scratch resistant as a glass or stainless steel top if you’re rough with heavy pans. It may also take a bit more effort to keep looking pristine compared with flat glass surfaces.
There’s no integrated timer or audible alerts, so you’ll still be relying on a separate kitchen timer or your oven for precise cooking times. Families with curious children may also miss a control lock, as it adds an extra layer of safety that’s becoming more common.
Finally, installation requires both a Gas Safe engineer and a qualified electrician to attach the plug or cable, and the gas hose isn’t included. That’s normal for many gas hobs, but it is an extra cost to factor in on top of the already premium price.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH aims to be as fuss‑free as possible. The layout is classic: four burners arranged to give you room for different pan sizes, with the controls lined up along the front edge. This makes it easy to see which dial corresponds to which burner and avoids reaching over hot pans.
Automatic ignition means you simply press and twist the dial until the flame catches, then fine‑tune the heat. The burner power range from 1.05 kW up to 3.3 kW gives usable simmering control for sauces at the low end and strong rolling boils at the top, so you’re not stuck with either too fierce or too feeble flames.
The cast iron pan supports create a flat, continuous surface which helps when shifting pans between burners. They’re weighty, so they don’t rattle or move easily, though that does mean they’re a little heavier to lift off for cleaning.
Cleaning itself is reasonably straightforward: lift off the supports and burner caps, then wipe the enamel surface. Spills can cling a bit more to enamel than to ultra‑smooth glass, so a quick wipe after cooking pays off. With a low profile height of around 3 cm, it also sits neatly into the worktop without looking bulky.
Because everything is fully manual with rotary dials and gas flame, there’s no menu system or touch panel to work out. If you prefer straightforward appliances you can operate instinctively, this hob is refreshingly simple.
Performance‑wise, the SR964NGH focuses on reliable gas cooking rather than headline‑grabbing extras. The four burners cover three different sizes, so you can comfortably use anything from a small milk pan up to a large stockpot or wok. The ultra‑rapid burner tops out at 3.3 kW, delivering plenty of power for quick boiling or searing.
The wok burner is the star feature. Positioned to give you space around it, it supplies the intense, even heat you need for proper stir‑frying. It also doubles up nicely for big pots of pasta or batch cooking, cutting down waiting time when you’re heating large volumes.
The enamelled hob surface is practical and traditional. It tends to hide minor marks and blends in well with other classic appliances, especially in black kitchens or where you want a more understated look than shiny stainless steel. Combined with the cast iron supports, it gives the hob a solid, weighty feel.
On the safety side, the flame failure device monitors each burner and automatically cuts the gas if the flame goes out, reducing the risk of gas build‑up. Automatic safety shut‑off adds another line of protection. These features are particularly reassuring in homes with children or in busy open‑plan spaces.
Installation flexibility is another plus. It’s designed for standard 60 cm cut‑outs, compatible with both mains gas and LPG, and comes with a conversion kit included. That makes it a viable option for a wide range of properties, from city flats to countryside homes running on bottled gas.
This Smeg Victoria hob sits towards the higher end of the price range for a standard 60 cm four‑burner gas hob. You’re clearly paying for brand reputation, Italian build and the coordinated Victoria styling as much as for raw specification.
In terms of features, it doesn’t try to compete with the most advanced gas or induction hobs. There’s no timer, no touch controls and no added smart functionality. What you do get is a solid, well‑finished appliance with a powerful wok burner, durable cast iron supports, comprehensive gas safety features and LPG compatibility with the kit included.
The strong 4.8/5 owner rating suggests buyers feel it justifies its premium, particularly if design and perceived quality matter. If your priority is the lowest possible price per burner, there are cheaper alternatives. But if you value a classic look, reputable brand and robust build that should last, the SR964NGH offers fair value within the premium segment.
The two‑year manufacturer warranty is in line with many mid‑ to high‑end kitchen appliances, adding an extra layer of reassurance without being overly generous.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a stylish, well‑built 60 cm gas hob that delivers dependable performance with a traditional look. The combination of a powerful wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and straightforward controls makes everyday cooking feel easy and controlled.
It isn’t the most feature‑packed hob for the money, and tech‑minded buyers may miss timers, child locks or smart features. But it makes up for this with solid fundamentals, strong owner satisfaction and the flexibility of LPG compatibility out of the box.
If you’re upgrading a classic or farmhouse‑style kitchen and want a reliable, premium‑feeling gas hob that will look the part and handle regular family cooking, this Smeg Victoria model is an excellent choice. Those on tighter budgets or chasing cutting‑edge features might prefer to look at more modern glass or induction options, but for timeless gas cooking with a quality finish, it’s a very compelling option.