The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob designed to bring traditional styling and solid performance to a modern kitchen. Finished in black enamel with chunky cast iron pan supports, it’s clearly aimed at buyers who want something smarter than a basic stainless-steel hob.
With four burners, including a powerful ultra-rapid wok burner, it has enough flexibility for everyday family cooking and the odd more adventurous meal. Automatic ignition, front-mounted rotary controls and key safety features keep the experience straightforward rather than tech-heavy.
Owners rate it very highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from a healthy number of reviews, which suggests it not only looks the part but has proved reliable and enjoyable to cook on in real homes.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is ideal for households that cook regularly and want a hob that feels a step up from entry-level, both in performance and design. If you like the idea of a classic, slightly retro look rather than ultra-minimalist glass, this black enamel finish and chunky cast iron layout will appeal.
It suits small to medium-sized kitchens where a standard 60cm cut-out is needed. Four burners with three different sizes give enough flexibility for everyday cooking – from simmering sauces and boiling veg to searing steaks or stir-fries on the wok burner.
Budget-wise, this model sits firmly in the premium end of the 60cm gas hob market. It will make most sense if you value style and brand reputation, and you’re happy to pay more than basic models for a more solid, substantial feel.
It’s also a good fit for confident home cooks who like cooking with gas and want quick heat response, but who don’t need touchscreen controls or built-in timers. First-time buyers can still use it easily thanks to the simple rotary dials and automatic ignition, as long as you’re comfortable arranging professional gas installation.
The standout advantage of the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is its powerful burner layout. The inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner delivers quick, intense heat that’s excellent for stir-frying, searing meat or bringing large pans of water to the boil faster than a standard burner.
Cast iron pan supports are another big plus. They feel sturdy and reassuringly heavy, helping pans sit securely without wobble, and they add a premium, professional look that matches the Victoria style.
Everyday operation is very straightforward. Front-mounted rotary dials are easy to reach and intuitive to use, while automatic ignition means you simply turn and press to light each burner – no need for separate spark buttons or matches.
On the safety side, the built-in flame failure safety device and automatic safety shut-off give peace of mind, cutting gas if a flame goes out unexpectedly. LPG compatibility and a convertible kit included are handy if your home runs on bottled gas rather than mains.
Finally, the slim 3cm profile with a standard 59.5cm x 50cm footprint makes it a neat fit for most existing 60cm cut-outs, and the two-year manufacturer warranty offers decent protection for a premium hob.
For a 60cm hob, the price is on the higher side, largely reflecting the Smeg brand and Victoria styling rather than an especially advanced feature set. If you’re mainly after basic function at the lowest price, this will feel like a splurge.
The enamel surface, while attractive, is typically more prone to showing marks and may need a bit more care to keep looking pristine compared with some modern glass or stainless finishes. Combined with heavy cast iron supports, cleaning around and under the pan supports can be a little more effort.
There’s no timer, no control panel lock and no advanced features such as automatic simmer settings or smart connectivity. Many people won’t miss these at all, but if you like digital displays and extra convenience functions, this hob keeps things deliberately simple.
Lastly, while the front control position is convenient, it also means the knobs are closer to splashes and spills, so they’ll need regular wiping to stay clean.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels reassuringly solid. The cast iron pan supports give a stable base for everything from small milk pans to large stockpots, and their weight helps prevent accidental movement when you slide pans across the hob.
Lighting the burners is quick and fuss-free thanks to automatic ignition – you just turn the dial and the burner sparks into life. The front control panel keeps all four dials easy to see and reach, so you don’t have to stretch over hot pans to make adjustments.
Heat control is responsive, as you’d expect from a gas hob. The ultra-rapid burner is particularly useful when you need serious heat in a hurry, while the smaller burners handle gentle simmering without scorching.
Cleaning is a little more involved than with some flat glass hobs, as you’ll need to lift off the cast iron supports and wipe the enamel surface. However, the open layout and simple burner design mean there are no fiddly touch panels or recessed knobs to trap grime.
Installation requires both an electrician to connect the power for ignition and a Gas Safe registered engineer for the gas supply, which is standard for this type of appliance but worth factoring into your overall budget and timing.
Performance-wise, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH offers a well-judged spread of power levels, from 1.05 kW up to a punchy 3.3 kW on the ultra-rapid burner. This gives you fine control across different cooking tasks, from low-and-slow sauces to high-heat stir-fries and fast boiling.
The four-burner layout with three different burner sizes means you can match pans to burners more effectively, improving efficiency and avoiding wasted heat. The dedicated wok burner is a key feature, giving that quick, intense heat many keen cooks look for, especially when using larger pans or a wok ring.
In terms of build, the enamel surface pairs neatly with the heavy cast iron pan supports to create a traditional, robust look. While it’s not as slick as a flat glass surface, it does help disguise minor scuffs and blends well with classic or farmhouse-style kitchens. The Italian manufacture adds a premium feel, which Smeg is known for.
Safety features are well covered, with automatic safety shut-off and a flame failure device on the burners. These ensure the gas supply is cut if the flame is extinguished, reducing the risk of gas build-up – a feature that’s increasingly standard but still important to highlight.
The hob is LPG compatible and convertible, with the kit included, making it a flexible option for rural homes or properties without mains gas. Automatic ignition is built in, so you don’t need separate lighters, and the relatively slim height should help with installation into standard worktops and cabinets.
At £429, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is priced firmly in the premium bracket for a 60cm four-burner gas hob. You can certainly find cheaper alternatives if you simply need gas burners and nothing more.
Where it justifies the extra outlay is in its combination of brand pedigree, build quality and design. The cast iron supports, enamel finish and Italian manufacture all contribute to a more upmarket feel than basic models, and the inclusion of an ultra-rapid wok burner elevates performance beyond the most entry-level options.
The strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 16 reviews reinforces the sense that owners feel they’re getting what they paid for in terms of reliability and day-to-day satisfaction. The two-year warranty is solid, though some rivals at a similar price may offer longer cover.
Overall, this hob offers good value if you’re specifically looking for Smeg’s Victoria styling and robust build in a standard 60cm size. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t care about aesthetics, there are more basic gas hobs that will cost considerably less.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a stylish, solidly built 60cm gas hob that delivers reliable performance and a premium feel. Its powerful ultra-rapid wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports and straightforward rotary controls make it a pleasure to cook on, especially if you’re a fan of quick, responsive gas heat.
It’s not the cheapest option, and it doesn’t try to impress with digital bells and whistles. Instead, it focuses on classic design, core performance and solid safety features. Cleaning requires a bit more effort than some flat glass rivals, and the lack of timer or control lock may be a downside for a few households.
If you want a well-made hob that looks great in a traditional or period-style kitchen and you’re happy to pay a premium for Smeg’s design and build quality, the Victoria SR964NGH is an excellent choice. If your priorities are rock-bottom price or advanced smart features, you may be better looking elsewhere.
