Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Victoria SR964NGH 60cm Gas Hob review
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a 60cm built-in gas hob with a classic look and a solid, no-nonsense feature set. Finished in black enamel with chunky cast iron pan supports, it’s clearly aimed at those who want traditional gas cooking with a bit of vintage charm.
At this price it sits in the more premium end of 60cm gas hobs, reflecting Smeg’s positioning as a style-led brand rather than a budget option. In return you get sturdy build quality, a powerful wok burner and thoughtful safety features.
With a 4.8 out of 5 user rating from a decent number of reviews, owners are clearly very happy with how it performs day to day, which backs up the spec sheet on paper.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH suits households that cook regularly and want reliable, responsive gas heat without moving up to a larger 75cm or 90cm hob. Four burners with three different sizes make it a good fit for couples and families who juggle multiple pans but don’t need an oversized appliance.
It’s a strong option if you like stir-fries, searing and fast boiling. The dedicated ultra-rapid wok burner delivers intense heat that typical mid-range hobs often lack, so keen home cooks will appreciate the extra firepower.
Stylistically, it’s ideal for anyone building a traditional or country-style kitchen, or pairing with other Smeg Victoria appliances. You’re paying a premium over basic stainless steel hobs, so it makes most sense if you value design and feel as much as pure function.
If you’re on a tight budget or rarely cook beyond simple one-pan meals, its higher price and classic gas layout may be more than you need, and a more basic model could serve you just as well.
The standout strength is the combination of a powerful wok burner and three additional burners covering a useable power range from 1.05 to 3.3 kW. That spread makes it easy to go from gentle simmering to rapid boiling without juggling pans awkwardly.
Cast iron pan supports give the hob a solid, professional feel and help keep pans stable, even heavier casserole dishes. They’re more durable and reassuring under heavy use than lightweight enamelled supports you’ll find on cheaper models.
Automatic ignition on the controls means no separate spark button or matches – burners light as you turn the rotary dials, which are mounted at the front for easy access. For safety, a flame failure device and automatic safety shut-off cut the gas if the flame goes out, offering peace of mind in busy kitchens.
It’s also LPG compatible, with a conversion kit included. That makes it a versatile choice for homes without mains gas, such as rural properties, holiday homes or annexes.
There’s no timer or control panel lock, both of which are quite common on modern hobs. You’ll need to rely on a separate kitchen timer and be mindful if you have curious children who can reach the front-mounted controls.
The hob surface is enamel rather than glass or stainless steel. While enamel fits the retro look, it can mark or chip if treated roughly and may take a little more effort to keep looking pristine compared with a smooth glass surface.
At this price point some buyers might expect extra touches such as more advanced burner layouts or additional safety and convenience features. The two-year warranty is decent but not class-leading; a longer guarantee would add reassurance given the premium brand name.
Day to day, the Smeg Victoria SR964NGH feels straightforward and familiar. The front-mounted rotary dials are clearly laid out and simple to grip, so setting the flame level is intuitive even if you’re upgrading from an older gas hob.
Automatic ignition makes starting a burner quick and hassle-free – you simply press and turn, and the flame appears. The ultra-rapid burner is especially handy when you’re in a rush, bringing water to the boil noticeably faster than a standard burner and giving woks or large frying pans the heat they need.
The cast iron pan supports create a continuous grid, which helps when sliding pans between burners rather than lifting them. They are weighty, so removing them for cleaning is a two-handed job, but once off, the relatively flat enamel surface is easy enough to wipe down with normal hob cleaner.
Because it’s a standard 60cm integrated hob with a low 3cm profile, it slots neatly into most existing cut-outs. You will, however, need a Gas Safe registered engineer for installation and connection, and an electrician to attach a suitable plug or cable, so factor that into the overall experience and cost.
This hob’s performance centres on its four gas burners and sensible power range of 1.05 to 3.3 kW. The smallest burner is well suited to simmering sauces or melting chocolate without scorching, while the mid-sized burners handle everyday tasks like pasta and vegetables with ease.
The ultra-rapid wok burner is the star feature. Positioned to give plenty of space around it, it delivers a strong, focused flame that’s ideal for stir-fries, searing meat or quickly bringing large pots to the boil. If you frequently cook in a wok or heavy pan, this burner alone is a compelling reason to choose this model.
The enamel surface and cast iron supports give it a robust, traditional feel. Enamel is heat resistant and matches the Victoria range’s retro styling, while the heavy supports help distribute weight evenly and keep pans steady. For many buyers, this tactile, solid build will be more important than cutting-edge smart features.
Safety is well covered with automatic ignition, an automatic safety shut-off and a flame failure device that cuts off the gas if a flame is accidentally extinguished. For homes with LPG, the included conversion kit means you don’t need to source additional parts.
What you don’t get are extras like touch controls, timers, child locks or smart connectivity. This is a classic gas hob with solid fundamentals rather than a feature-packed, high-tech model – ideal if you prefer simplicity, but worth noting if you’re looking for advanced programmability.
With a price that reflects Smeg’s premium reputation and styling, the Victoria SR964NGH is not the cheapest 60cm gas hob on the market. You are clearly paying for design, build quality and brand appeal as much as for raw specification.
Against that, the strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5 suggests owners feel they’re getting what they paid for. The combination of a powerful wok burner, sturdy cast iron supports, good safety provision and LPG compatibility is a step up from many budget hobs.
If you simply want the lowest-cost way to cook on gas, there are more economical options with similar basic burner layouts. However, if you value the retro aesthetic, solid feel and Smeg badge – and you’re likely to use the higher performance burner regularly – the SR964NGH offers fair value for a style-focused, mid-to-premium kitchen.
The Smeg Victoria SR964NGH is a well-built, attractive 60cm gas hob that delivers reliable everyday cooking with an extra punch of heat when you need it. Its ultra-rapid wok burner, cast iron supports and strong safety credentials make it a confident choice for homes that cook often and enjoy traditional gas control.
You don’t get advanced extras like timers, child locks or smart controls, and the enamel surface will reward a bit of care to keep it looking its best. The price is also higher than basic models, so it’s not the right pick if you’re working to a tight budget or just need a functional stopgap.
For anyone creating a coordinated Smeg kitchen or simply wanting a durable, retro-styled hob that feels substantial and performs well, the Victoria SR964NGH is an excellent option that should serve you reliably for years.