Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob with four burners, a traditional enamel surface and chunky cast iron pan supports. It’s designed to bring classic range-cooker styling to a standard-sized worktop.
Smeg is firmly in the premium camp, and this model follows that pattern with a higher price than many basic 60cm gas hobs. In return you get a powerful wok burner, robust build and a clean, unfussy layout aimed at keen home cooks rather than gadget hunters.
With a 4.8 out of 5 rating from owners, feedback is strongly positive, suggesting it not only looks the part but also performs reliably day to day.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits anyone who wants a traditional-looking gas hob with a premium feel, but doesn’t have space for a full range cooker. Its 60cm width drops neatly into standard worktops, making it ideal for typical UK kitchens and smaller spaces.
It’s a good match for confident home cooks who use their hob a lot. The inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner means it handles big pans, stir-fries and rapid boiling with ease, while the other three burners cover everyday tasks like simmering sauces or cooking pasta.
Budget-wise, this is more of a mid-to-premium option rather than an entry-level hob. If you simply want the cheapest possible 4-burner, this will feel like a splurge. But if you value design, sturdy cast iron supports and Italian build quality, it’s pitched at those willing to pay extra for something that feels substantial.
It’s also a sensible choice for anyone converting to LPG in a rural or off-grid home, as the conversion kit is included and the hob is fully LPG compatible.
The standout feature is the ultra-rapid wok burner, delivering up to 3.3 kW of heat. That means quick boiling, fast searing and proper high-heat stir-frying, something many standard 60cm hobs struggle to offer.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports give the hob a solid, high-end feel and help keep pans stable, even when you’re shuffling heavy pots around. They also span the surface nicely, so you can slide pans rather than constantly lifting them.
Automatic ignition on the gas controls is a simple but important touch – no need for separate lighters or fiddly ignition buttons. Just twist the rotary dials and the flame sparks into life, which is especially convenient when your hands are full.
Safety is well covered, with flame failure devices and automatic safety shut-off helping to cut the gas if a flame goes out. For a busy family kitchen, that extra peace of mind is worth having.
Finally, the classic black enamel and traditional Victoria styling give it a more characterful look than many plain stainless or glass hobs, which will appeal if you’re creating a more vintage or country-style kitchen.
The enamel surface, while in keeping with the Victoria look, is not as scratch-resistant or sleek to wipe down as some modern glass or high-end stainless steel alternatives. Spills can bake on if not cleaned promptly.
There’s no timer or control panel lock, so you miss out on a couple of convenience and safety touches that some rivals at this price now include. Families with very young children may miss the extra reassurance of a lock.
For the money, the feature set is fairly traditional. You don’t get extras like dedicated simmer burners with ultra-low output, digital displays or any smart functionality – this is very much a classic gas hob done well rather than a tech-heavy model.
Installation also adds to the overall cost. It requires both an electrician to connect the ignition and a Gas Safe engineer for the gas connection, and the gas hose is not included.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH focuses on straightforward, tactile cooking. The front-mounted rotary dials are easy to see and reach, so you don’t have to lean over hot pans to adjust the heat. The automatic ignition sparks promptly as you turn, which quickly becomes second nature.
The four burners are laid out to suit typical UK cooking habits: smaller zones for gentle simmering, standard burners for everyday pans, and the ultra-rapid burner for woks and larger pots. Having three different burner sizes makes it easier to match pan to flame and avoid scorching delicate dishes.
Cast iron pan supports keep everything feeling solid under hand, which is reassuring when you’re handling heavy casseroles or big stockpots. They do add a bit of weight when you lift them for cleaning, but the continuous surface means you can slide pans between burners without catching.
Cleaning is a mixed bag: the enamel surface will wipe clean with a bit of soapy water, but as with most enamel hobs, burnt-on spills may need a little more elbow grease than on a smooth glass surface. On the plus side, the simple layout without fiddly controls or odd-shaped zones means there are fewer nooks for grime to hide.
Once installed, there’s little ongoing faff. There are no filters to change or electronics to update – it’s a classic gas hob you can rely on every day.
Performance-wise, the burner power range of 1.05 to 3.3 kW gives you a good spread from gentle simmer to full-power boil. The ultra-rapid burner is the star, delivering quick, intense heat for large pans, while the smaller zones can hold sauces and soups at a steady low bubble.
The enamel surface may not be the most cutting-edge finish, but it’s practical and in keeping with the Victoria aesthetic. It also tends to hide minor marks better than shiny glass, which some households will appreciate.
Safety is better thought out than on many basic hobs. The flame failure safety device helps ensure that if a flame is blown out, the gas automatically cuts off, and automatic safety shut-off adds another layer of protection. Combined, these make it a reassuring option for busy homes where distractions are inevitable.
Convenience features are deliberately simple. The automatic ignition removes the need for separate lighters, and the integrated design helps it sit flush with the worktop. However, you don’t get a built-in timer, digital display, or child lock – the controls are purely mechanical.
For installation flexibility, LPG compatibility and the included conversion kit are big plus points, especially for rural properties or anyone planning a kitchen in an area without mains gas. A modest 3-amp fuse rating means the electrical side is light touch, though it still needs a qualified electrician to connect.
At around £399, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH sits above the price of many basic 60cm gas hobs. You’re paying for design, build quality and brand rather than an extensive list of advanced features.
In that context, its strong 4.8/5 user rating and positive feedback help justify the premium. Owners clearly feel it delivers where it matters: stable heat, solid supports and reliable ignition.
If you simply want a functional four-burner at the lowest possible cost, there are cheaper options that will do the job. But if you value the Smeg name, the traditional Victoria styling, cast iron supports and the powerful wok burner, the price is reasonable for what you get.
Overall, it represents good value for style-conscious cooks who plan to keep the hob for many years, supported by the included 2-year manufacturer warranty.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-executed traditional gas hob that combines classic looks with solid, everyday performance. The powerful wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and straightforward controls make it a pleasure to cook on, while the safety features provide welcome peace of mind.
It’s not the most feature-packed model at this price, and the enamel surface plus lack of timer or child lock might put off those who prioritise high-tech extras or ultra-easy cleaning. But for many households, its simplicity is part of the appeal.
If you’re upgrading a standard 60cm hob and want something that feels more substantial, looks stylish in a traditional or country kitchen, and will cope with family cooking and regular entertaining, the Victoria SR964NGH is a strong choice. Those on tighter budgets or seeking cutting-edge smart features may want to explore alternatives, but as a premium-feel, no-nonsense gas hob, it delivers very well.