Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob designed for cooks who want traditional flame control with a classic, retro-inspired look. Finished in black enamel with chunky cast iron pan supports, it’s clearly aimed at style-conscious kitchens as much as everyday practicality.
With four burners, including a powerful ultra-rapid wok zone, it covers everything from gentle simmering to fast stir-fries. Automatic ignition, flame failure safety and front-mounted rotary controls keep operation straightforward.
User feedback is very strong, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from owners, suggesting the premium price is broadly matched by the real-world cooking experience and build quality.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for households that cook most days and want a hob that looks as good as it performs. If you have a typical UK kitchen and are replacing an older 60cm gas hob, it will slot neatly into the same footprint while giving the space a clear style upgrade.
It suits confident home cooks who like to juggle several pans at once, thanks to four burners and a dedicated ultra-rapid wok burner for high-heat dishes. The burner range from 1.05 kW up to 3.3 kW covers low, medium and high heat cooking without feeling underpowered.
This is a premium-leaning option rather than a budget buy, so it’s best for buyers willing to pay more for the Smeg brand, Italian styling and solid build. If you’re fitting out a Victoria range or other retro-inspired appliances, it will feel like the natural partner.
At the same time, the controls are very simple. First-time homeowners or those upgrading from a very basic hob will find it easy to use, provided they are comfortable with a traditional gas layout rather than touch controls or advanced timers.
The standout strength of the SR964NGH is its combination of style and substance. The black enamel surface and classic Smeg Victoria design give it a premium, timeless look that works especially well in traditional and shaker-style kitchens.
Performance-wise, the inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner is a real asset. It delivers quick, intense heat for stir-fries, searing and bringing large pans of water to the boil much faster than a standard burner, making everyday cooking feel snappier.
Sturdy cast iron pan supports add to the feeling of quality. They provide a stable base for heavier pots and pans and span the width of the hob, so you can slide cookware between burners with confidence rather than lifting every time.
Automatic ignition and clear front-mounted rotary dials keep operation simple. One-handed lighting is particularly helpful when you’re juggling ingredients, and having all the controls at the front means you’re not reaching over hot pans.
On the safety side, the built-in flame failure device and automatic safety shut-off offer reassurance. If a flame goes out unexpectedly, the gas supply is cut, which is especially reassuring in busy family kitchens.
For a four-burner 60cm hob, the price is on the higher side, reflecting the Smeg badge and design rather than an especially advanced feature set. If you simply want the cheapest way to boil pasta, there are more basic models that will cost noticeably less.
There’s no integrated timer or control panel lock, which some families might miss, especially if they’re used to more feature-packed ceramic or induction hobs. The absence of a child lock means little hands can turn the knobs, so you’ll need to rely on supervision and the flame safety features.
The surface is enamel rather than glass or stainless steel. While enamel is durable, it can show marks over time and may need a bit more care to keep it looking pristine compared with some smooth glass tops.
Finally, installation isn’t plug-and-play. It requires both an electrician to attach the power cable for ignition and a Gas Safe engineer to connect the gas supply, and the gas hose isn’t included, so factor in the added fitting cost.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels reassuringly solid. The cast iron supports are weighty and don’t rattle, which helps when you’re using heavier casserole dishes or moving pans across the hob. Once in place, cookware sits flat and stable, reducing the chance of wobbling or spills.
Lighting the burners is quick and intuitive. Automatic ignition means a simple push-and-turn of the front control dials brings the flame to life, so there’s no fumbling with separate ignition buttons or matches. The front positioning of the controls keeps them easily accessible, even when the back burners are in use.
Heat control is precise enough for everyday cooking. The smaller burners handle gentle simmering for sauces, while the ultra-rapid burner gives a powerful, focused flame for woks and large pans. The range from 1.05 to 3.3 kW covers most common cooking tasks comfortably.
Cleaning is relatively straightforward: the pan supports lift off in sections and the enamel surface can be wiped down with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. As with any enamel hob, wiping spills quickly helps prevent burnt-on marks. There are no complicated grooves or recesses, so a regular wipe-down keeps it looking smart.
The slim 3cm profile means it doesn’t dominate the worktop and integrates cleanly into the counter, making it feel neat and intentionally designed rather than bulky.
The core performance of the SR964NGH centres on its four-burner layout with three different burner sizes. This gives you flexibility to match the pan to the flame, whether you’re simmering a small saucepan or boiling a big pot of pasta. The burner power range from 1.05 kW to 3.3 kW ensures there’s enough punch for high-heat cooking without sacrificing low, steady heat when you need it.
The ultra-rapid wok burner is the headline feature. Positioned to provide strong, concentrated heat, it’s ideal for stir-frying, searing meat quickly or rapidly heating large volumes of liquid. If you frequently cook Asian dishes or just appreciate fast boil times, this burner makes a noticeable difference compared to standard hobs without a high-output zone.
Construction quality is another strong point. Cast iron pan supports are more robust than basic enamelled steel and cope well with daily use. They also contribute to more even heat distribution under the pan by holding cookware steady, which helps sauces and stews cook more consistently.
On the convenience front, automatic ignition means each burner lights with a twist of the knob, and the front control layout keeps everything within easy reach. There are no digital displays or complex touch controls to learn, which many gas traditionalists will see as an advantage.
Safety features are sensibly covered. Flame failure devices on the burners, combined with automatic safety shut-off, stop gas flow if the flame is accidentally extinguished. The hob is also LPG compatible and convertible, with a kit included, making it suitable for properties running on bottled gas as well as mains.
Given its price point, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH positions itself as a premium four-burner gas hob rather than a budget pick. You’re paying for the Smeg name, the distinct Victoria styling and the more substantial build quality rather than a long list of advanced features.
Compared with simpler 60cm gas hobs, you don’t get extras like timers, digital displays or specialist safety locks, but you do gain a powerful wok burner, solid cast iron supports and a design that will complement higher-end kitchens and built-in Smeg ovens.
The strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests owners feel they are getting what they paid for, particularly in terms of reliability, ease of cooking and the way it looks in situ. The 2-year manufacturer warranty for domestic use adds a reasonable level of reassurance, though some rivals at this price offer longer cover.
If you just need a functional hob at the lowest cost, this won’t be the best value. If, however, you care about design, brand reputation and robust construction and you’ll make good use of the wok burner, the SR964NGH justifies its premium over entry-level models.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a handsome, well-built 60cm gas hob that combines classic looks with dependable everyday performance. Its ultra-rapid wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and intuitive front-mounted controls make it a pleasure to cook on, especially if you regularly use high heat or heavy pans.
It’s not packed with high-tech extras, and the price reflects its premium styling and Smeg branding more than an extensive feature list. Households looking for advanced timers, touch controls or smart connectivity may be better served by higher-spec induction or gas-on-glass alternatives.
For anyone fitting out a stylish kitchen, especially alongside other Smeg Victoria appliances, and who values traditional flame control with a quality feel under the hand, the SR964NGH is a strong choice that should give years of reliable service.