Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob that blends traditional styling with a practical, no-nonsense layout. Finished in black enamel with chunky rotary dials and cast iron pan supports, it’s designed to look the part in both classic and modern kitchens.
With four burners including a powerful wok zone and automatic ignition, it aims to offer everyday convenience for busy homes rather than bells-and-whistles tech. A strong 4.8 out of 5 rating from owners suggests it delivers exactly what most people are hoping for: reliable heat, solid build and simple controls.
Positioned at the premium end of the 60cm gas hob market, you’re paying for design and brand as much as the spec, but the overall package feels well thought through.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits households that cook regularly and want a dependable, stylish gas hob without stepping up to a full-on range cooker. Its 60cm width makes it an easy replacement for most standard built-in hobs, ideal for flats, terraces and family kitchens alike.
It’s a good match if you enjoy a mix of everyday cooking and the odd weekend feast. The four-burner layout covers the basics, while the ultra-rapid wok burner is perfect for stir-fries, searing steaks and quickly boiling big pans of water. If you often have multiple pans going at once but don’t need a five- or six-burner layout, this strikes a sensible balance.
Budget-wise, this is a premium mid-size hob. It’s not the cheapest option, so it makes most sense for buyers who value Smeg’s design, Italian build and brand reputation, and who are happy to invest a bit more for something that feels a step above entry-level models.
If you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an old basic hob, the simple front-mounted rotary controls and automatic ignition keep things approachable. Enthusiastic home cooks who like cooking with gas rather than induction will also appreciate the sturdy cast iron supports and strong burner range.
The ultra-rapid wok burner is a real highlight, giving quick, intense heat for stir-frying, searing and rapid boiling. It makes the hob feel noticeably more powerful and responsive than basic four-burner models.
Cast iron pan supports span the hob and feel solid under heavy pans. They give a stable, level surface, so small and large pots alike sit securely without wobble, and they add to the premium look.
Automatic ignition built into the knobs means you simply turn and press to light the flame – no separate ignition buttons and no matches. It’s quicker, tidier and easier to use, especially when you’re juggling multiple pans.
Built-in flame failure devices on the burners are a key safety plus. If a flame goes out accidentally, the gas supply is automatically cut, which is reassuring in busy family homes.
The compact 3cm height and standard 60cm width make it a straightforward upgrade for most existing cut-outs, and the included LPG conversion kit is handy if you’re on bottled gas rather than mains.
For a four-burner hob, the price is on the higher side, largely reflecting the Smeg name and styling rather than a long list of advanced features. If you’re purely spec-driven, there are cheaper alternatives that will still do the basics well.
The enamel surface looks smart, but it won’t be as scratch-resistant as some stainless steel or modern glass-ceramic designs. You’ll want to be a bit careful lifting, rather than dragging, heavy cast iron pans to keep it looking its best.
There’s no timer or control panel lock, which some families may miss, and no extra convenience features such as automatic simmer settings or digital displays that you’ll find on some higher-tech rivals.
Installation requires both a Gas Safe engineer and an electrician to attach the power cable, and a gas hose is not included, so you may have a little extra cost on top of the purchase price.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is built around simplicity. The front-mounted rotary dials are easy to see and reach, so you’re not stretching over hot pans to adjust the heat. Each knob has integrated automatic ignition, so the hob lights quickly with a reassuringly positive click.
The four burners are arranged to give you a clear cooking hierarchy: the ultra-rapid burner for large pans and fast cooking, and three smaller zones for simmering, sauces and sides. With a power range from 1.05 to 3.3 kW, it covers gentle melting right up to vigorous boiling without feeling underpowered.
Cast iron pan supports create a continuous surface that feels stable under everything from small milk pans to big stockpots. They are weighty, which adds to the premium feel, but you’ll probably remove them in sections for cleaning, so a quick wipe of the enamel top is straightforward once they’re off.
The low-profile design (only 3cm high) helps the hob sit neatly into the worktop, giving a more built-in look that complements both modern and traditional kitchens. With integrated automatic safety shut off and flame failure protection, it’s also reassuringly safe if you’re prone to distractions while cooking.
Performance-wise, this hob is all about controlled gas power. The burners span from 1.05 kW up to a punchy 3.3 kW on the ultra-rapid zone, covering everything from slow simmers to fast stir-fries. That top-end output is especially useful if you cook with a wok or regularly boil large pans of water for pasta and potatoes.
The dedicated wok burner is a clear step up from standard burners, delivering a concentrated, intense flame. It helps food sear properly rather than stewing, and it’s equally handy for quick Sunday roasts prep when you need gravy, veg and potatoes on the go at once.
Safety is well covered. The flame failure safety device on each burner cuts the gas if the flame goes out unexpectedly, and the hob has automatic safety shut off for added peace of mind. Combined with automatic ignition, it makes the whole unit feel modern and secure, even though the controls remain reassuringly traditional.
Build and materials also play their part. The enamel surface is durable and easier to keep clean than bare steel if you wipe spills reasonably quickly, while the cast iron pan supports are built to handle years of use without losing their shape. The hob is LPG compatible and comes with a conversion kit in the box, which is a genuine benefit for rural or off-grid homes.
There are no digital displays, timers or smart features here, but that simplicity will appeal if you want a classic gas hob that just works, rather than another gadget to learn and maintain.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH sits at the premium end of the 60cm gas hob market, and you’re clearly paying for brand, design and build quality rather than a long list of advanced extras. If you only need the cheapest possible way to boil a pan of water, this will feel expensive.
However, when you factor in the high owner satisfaction (4.8 out of 5 from user reviews), the Italian build, the sturdy cast iron supports and the powerful wok burner, the price starts to look more reasonable for buyers who value quality and aesthetics. It’s the kind of hob you’d happily build a kitchen around.
The two-year manufacturer warranty is decent, if not class-leading, and reinforces the sense of a well-made appliance. Overall, it offers good value if you care about style and solid construction, but less so if you’re purely chasing features per pound.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a handsome, well-built 60cm gas hob that backs up its retro looks with strong everyday performance. The ultra-rapid wok burner, solid cast iron pan supports and straightforward controls make it a pleasure to cook on, and high user ratings suggest it’s a reliable choice.
It’s not the most feature-packed hob you can buy, and the lack of timers or digital controls may disappoint if you’re looking for something more high-tech. The price is also on the premium side for a four-burner model, so it’s not the obvious pick for tight budgets.
If you want a stylish gas hob that feels robust, cooks quickly and safely, and complements a more traditional or farmhouse-style kitchen, this Smeg is an excellent option. If you’re less concerned about design and more focused on squeezing every feature from your budget, a more basic brand may suit you better.