The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob with four burners, presented in a traditional black enamel finish with chunky rotary dials. It sits in Smeg’s premium Victoria range, so the emphasis is very much on classic looks, solid build and straightforward cooking rather than gimmicks.
At this price point it’s positioned towards the upper end of standard 60cm gas hobs, but it does bring cast iron pan supports, an ultra-rapid wok burner and reassuring safety features as standard. Owners rate it highly, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from user reviews, suggesting that real-world performance and reliability largely live up to the brand’s reputation.
If you’re after a smart, modern gas hob that can handle everything from gentle simmering to fast stir-fries, and you value design as much as functionality, this Smeg will be an appealing option.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for style-conscious homeowners who want a traditional-looking hob that still feels robust and up to date. Its black enamel surface and cast iron pan supports pair especially well with classic or shaker-style kitchens, but it also works as a bold contrast in a more modern space.
With four burners and three different burner sizes, it suits typical UK households cooking for one to four people. The inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner makes it a strong choice if you regularly cook stir-fries, sear steaks or need fast boiling, while the smaller burners cover gentle simmering and everyday tasks.
This is not the cheapest hob you can buy, so it makes most sense if you have a mid-range to premium budget and want something that feels a cut above standard stainless steel or glass units. It’s also well suited to buyers who prefer simple, tactile controls rather than touch panels or complex digital timers.
If you live in a property with LPG rather than mains gas, the fact that it’s LPG compatible and includes a conversion kit is a real plus, making it a flexible option for rural homes, annexes and holiday properties.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner, delivering quick, intense heat up to 3.3 kW – ideal for fast stir-frying, rapid boiling and high-heat cooking that standard burners can struggle with.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports give the hob a premium feel and provide a stable base for heavy pots and larger pans. They’re more durable than lighter enamelled trivets and help everything sit securely, reducing the chance of wobbling or tipping.
Everyday operation is refreshingly simple thanks to the front-mounted rotary dials and automatic ignition. You turn the dial and the burner lights – no need for separate ignition buttons or matches – which makes it intuitive for anyone to use.
On the safety front, the flame failure device and automatic safety shut off are reassuring additions. These help cut the gas supply if a flame goes out unexpectedly, a key feature if you have children, pets or open windows in the kitchen.
Finally, being LPG convertible with the kit included adds real flexibility. Whether you’re on mains gas now or planning to use bottled gas in a future property, the hob is ready for either setup.
Despite the premium Smeg badge and price, the feature set is fairly traditional. There’s no timer, no control panel lock and no advanced functions such as automatic pan detection or smart connectivity, which some modern hobs offer.
The surface is enamel rather than glass or stainless steel. While enamel is hard-wearing, it can be a little more effort to keep looking pristine if spills aren’t wiped up promptly, and it may show chips if treated roughly.
There’s only a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty, which is decent but not outstanding for a premium-brand built-in appliance. Some rivals offer longer cover, which could sway buyers who prioritise long-term peace of mind.
Lastly, with just four burners, it’s a conventional layout. If you often cook with multiple large pans at once or batch cook extensively, you might find a wider hob with five zones more comfortable.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is designed to be as straightforward as a gas hob gets. The front-mounted rotary dials are easy to see and reach, so you’re not stretching over hot pans to adjust the flame. Automatic ignition means each burner lights with a simple twist, making it quick to get cooking.
The layout of four burners with three different sizes gives you flexibility. You can keep a sauce gently simmering on a smaller burner while using the ultra-rapid burner for a big pan of pasta or a wok. The cast iron pan supports provide a continuous, level surface, which makes sliding pans from one burner to another feel secure and controlled.
Cleaning is typical of a traditional gas hob. The enamel surface can be wiped down with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner, while the cast iron supports lift off for a more thorough clean in the sink. They are weighty, which adds to the premium feel but does mean a bit more effort when you remove them.
Installation should be straightforward for a professional, but it does require both a Gas Safe registered engineer for the gas connection and an electrician to attach the plug or cable. Once fitted, there’s very little to fiddle with – no menus or programmes to learn – so the learning curve is minimal even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
Performance centres on the four gas burners, with a power range from 1.05 kW up to 3.3 kW. The ultra-rapid burner delivers the punch you need for high-heat cooking, getting pans up to temperature quickly and handling wok cooking far better than a standard medium burner would.
The remaining burners are sensibly spaced and sized, giving you three different burner sizes to match with various pan diameters. Whether you’re simmering soup, boiling vegetables or making a one-pan pasta dish, you can choose a burner that fits without wasting energy or overcrowding the hob.
Safety is well covered for a traditional gas design. An automatic safety shut off and flame failure device are both built in, helping to cut the gas if a flame is extinguished unexpectedly. This is particularly important in busy family kitchens and open-plan spaces where draughts and distractions are common.
Material and build quality are clearly a focus. The enamel surface provides a classic look and is resistant to high temperatures, while the cast iron pan supports are more robust and stable than cheaper alternatives. The front control position is another thoughtful touch, making it simpler to manage multiple pans and flames at once.
Added flexibility comes from its LPG compatibility and the inclusion of a conversion kit. That means the hob can run on either mains gas or bottled gas with the correct setup, which is helpful if you’re installing it in a rural property, caravan-style kitchen or holiday home.
With a price of £399, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH sits in the premium bracket for a standard 60cm gas hob. You’re paying partly for the Smeg name and the classic Victoria styling, and partly for the solid materials like cast iron supports and the more powerful wok burner.
In terms of pure features, there are cheaper hobs that offer similar burner layouts, so if you’re shopping on a tight budget this may feel like a stretch. However, the excellent user rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests that buyers feel they are getting strong performance, reliability and everyday satisfaction for their money.
If design, brand reputation and build quality matter to you as much as ticking every spec box, the price feels justifiable. If you simply want a functional hob at the lowest possible cost, you’ll find more basic alternatives for less, but they’re unlikely to match the Smeg’s finish and feel.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a handsome, well-built 60cm gas hob that focuses on doing the basics extremely well. The combination of a powerful ultra-rapid burner, sturdy cast iron pan supports and straightforward rotary controls makes it a pleasure to cook on, while the safety shut off and flame failure device add welcome peace of mind.
It doesn’t chase cutting-edge features – there’s no timer, lock or smart functionality – and the enamel surface plus two-year warranty feel fairly standard for the price. This means it won’t be the right choice if you’re looking for maximum tech or the lowest possible cost.
If, however, you want a traditional-looking hob from a respected Italian brand, with strong everyday performance and a high-end feel under your pans, the Victoria SR964NGH is a very convincing option that should serve a typical family kitchen well for years.
