Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob in black enamel, designed to bring that traditional Smeg styling to a modern kitchen. With four burners, chunky cast iron pan supports and simple front-mounted rotary controls, it aims to offer straightforward, reliable cooking rather than flashy tech.
At this price it sits in the premium end of standard 60cm gas hobs, trading on Smeg’s design credentials and Italian build. An automatic ignition system, flame failure safety devices and an ultra-rapid wok burner round out the spec.
Owners rate it very highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from 16 reviews, which backs up the feeling that this is a well-made, dependable choice if you want a gas hob that looks as good as it cooks.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a strong fit if you’re upgrading a standard 60cm hob and want something smarter and more solid than an entry-level model. Its four-burner layout suits most small to medium households who cook regularly but don’t need a huge 5‑burner set-up.
It’s particularly appealing if you like traditional or classic-style kitchens. The black enamel surface and heavy cast iron pan supports give it a range-style look in a compact footprint, so it complements shaker cabinets and more characterful spaces as well as modern ones.
With a dedicated wok burner and a sensible spread of burner sizes, it will suit keen home cooks who like to stir-fry, sear and simmer. At the same time, the automatic ignition and clearly marked rotary controls keep it simple enough for anyone moving up from an older basic hob.
Budget-wise, this is more of a premium mid-range choice than a bargain buy. If you prioritise build quality, looks and reassuring safety features over rock-bottom pricing or fancy smart controls, it sits in a very comfortable sweet spot.
The four-burner layout is well judged, with three different burner sizes so you can match heat to pan without wasting gas. The ultra-rapid wok burner delivers up to 3.3 kW of power, giving you the intense heat you need for stir-fries, big pans of pasta or fast searing.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports are a real plus at this price. They feel solid under heavy cookware, provide a stable surface for smaller pans and add a premium, range-style look that cheaper wire supports can’t match.
Automatic ignition built into the rotary controls makes lighting each burner quick and fuss-free – no separate ignition buttons or matches to worry about. Front-mounted dials are easy to see and reach, which is especially helpful if you’re shorter or for anyone with limited mobility.
On the safety side, the built-in flame failure devices and automatic safety shut-off are reassuring. If a burner goes out accidentally, the gas supply is cut, which is an important feature in busy family kitchens.
The fact that it’s LPG compatible and supplied with a conversion kit adds flexibility. Whether you’re on mains gas or using bottled gas in a flat, annex or holiday home, it can be set up correctly by a professional.
For a four-burner hob, the price is on the higher side, largely reflecting the Smeg badge and styling rather than a long list of advanced features. You’re paying for design and build quality more than for tech.
The enamel surface looks smart but is generally more prone to showing scratches and marks over time than some modern glass or stainless finishes. You’ll want to be a bit careful when moving heavy pans to keep it looking its best.
There’s no timer or control panel lock. While neither is essential on a gas hob, some rivals include at least a basic timer or child lock, which could be missed in a family home.
Finally, the standard 2-year warranty is decent but not class-leading. A few competitors now offer longer cover on built-in appliances, so it would be nice to see a bit more peace of mind as standard.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is designed to be straightforward to live with. The front-mounted rotary dials are clearly positioned and easy to grip, so setting the flame level feels intuitive. Automatic ignition means you simply push and turn to light each burner, which quickly becomes second nature.
The four burners are spaced sensibly across the 59.5cm width, giving enough room for a couple of larger pans and a couple of smaller ones without feeling cramped for a standard-sized hob. The cast iron pan supports run across the top, making it easier to slide pans from one burner to another without lifting them.
Cleaning is fairly typical for an enamel gas hob. The pan supports lift off for wiping down the surface, and the enamel finish can be cleaned with standard non-abrasive kitchen cleaners. You will, however, need to keep on top of spills to prevent staining or baked-on residues, as with most gas hobs.
Installation-wise, it’s a built-in appliance that must be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and the electrical connection requires an electrician to attach a plug or cable. Once installed, there’s very little maintenance beyond normal cleaning and occasional checks of the pan supports and burner caps.
In performance terms, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH covers the key bases well. The burner power range of 1.05 to 3.3 kW gives you enough flexibility for everything from gentle simmering of sauces to rapid boiling and wok cooking. The ultra-rapid burner is the standout, offering the concentrated heat you want for fast, high-temperature dishes.
The three burner sizes mean you can match pots and pans to the right zone, which not only improves cooking results but also helps avoid wasted heat creeping up the sides of smaller pans. This is particularly handy if you regularly cook with a mix of small milk pans, medium saucepans and larger frying pans or stockpots.
Safety is handled well, with an automatic safety shut-off and flame failure safety devices on the burners. If a pan boils over or a draught blows out the flame, the gas supply cuts off – an important reassurance, especially in open-plan spaces.
The enamel surface and cast iron pan supports give the hob a robust feel under heavy cookware, and they also contribute to more even support for woks and large pans. The supports themselves are designed for durability and stability, which you’ll appreciate when you’re moving full pots around.
Feature-wise, it’s a deliberately straightforward hob: no touch controls, no timers, no smart connectivity. Instead, you’re getting reliable gas performance, automatic ignition, and compatibility with both natural gas and LPG (with a conversion kit included). For many home cooks, that blend of simplicity and capability is exactly what they want from a gas hob.
As a Smeg appliance, the Victoria SR964NGH commands a premium over very basic 60cm gas hobs. You could certainly find cheaper options if you simply want four burners and don’t care how they look or feel.
However, the value here comes from its combination of design, build quality and strong owner satisfaction. The heavy cast iron supports, ultra-rapid wok burner, comprehensive gas safety features and Italian manufacture set it apart from entry-level models. The 4.8/5 user rating suggests that buyers feel they’ve got their money’s worth.
If your budget is tight, a simpler stainless steel hob may make more sense. But if you’re investing in a longer-term kitchen upgrade and want a hob that looks the part and feels solid under daily use, the price is fair for what you get.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a stylish, well-built 60cm gas hob that focuses on doing the basics very well. It delivers strong everyday performance with its varied burner sizes and powerful wok burner, wrapped in a classic black enamel design with robust cast iron supports.
It’s not the most feature-packed hob on the market – there’s no timer, lock or advanced controls – and the price reflects the Smeg name and styling as much as the spec sheet. But for many households, that’s exactly the appeal: a dependable, attractive gas hob that feels a cut above the standard.
If you’re upgrading a kitchen and want something that looks premium, cooks confidently and has the safety features you’d expect, this model is an excellent choice. Those on a strict budget or looking for extra electronic features may prefer to look elsewhere, but for classic gas cooking with a designer edge, it’s hard to argue with.