SMEG PIC01BLMUK Review: A Powerful and Flexible Portable Induction Hob

If you're looking for a portable induction hob that goes beyond basic features, the SMEG PIC01BLMUK might just be the perfect addition to your kitchen. With automated cooking modes and a temperature probe for precision, this hob is ideal for those who need extra cooking space or want the flexibility to cook outdoors. However, it does come with a higher price tag.

Pros and Cons of the SMEG PIC01BLMUK

Pros:

• Temperature probe for precision cooking
• Automatic cooking modes for BBQ and Frying
• Powerful and portable design

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other portable hobs

Key Features of the SMEG PIC01BLMUK

• Plug-in Hob: This is a single-zone portable hob that plugs into a standard UK three-pin socket.
• Temperature Probe: Allows for precise cooking by setting a target temperature.
• Automated Cooking Modes: Dedicated modes for BBQing and frying, with preset heat-up phases.

Introduction

Whether you're looking to expand your kitchen's cooking capacity or want a portable device for outdoor cooking in warm weather, the SMEG PIC01BLMUK is a sleek and powerful option. It goes beyond basic induction hobs by offering dedicated modes for frying and BBQing, and its temperature sensor allows for precision cooking. While it is on the pricier side, it offers features that make it stand out from the competition.

Design and Features

Thermometer and Multiple Cooking Modes

As expected from Smeg, the PIC01BLMUK is more attractive than most basic portable hobs. Its brushed metal front and curved body give it a sleek, stylish appearance. The hob plugs into a standard UK power socket, making it easy to set up and use anywhere.

This portable hob has a single cooking zone, designed for pans with a diameter between 12cm and 24cm, covering most standard frying pans and saucepans. Like most induction hobs, it features pan detection, so the controls won’t activate unless a compatible pan is placed on the burner.

The hob features a simple power selection dial, ranging from 1 to 9, plus a boost mode labeled “P” for quick tasks like boiling water. The controls are touch-sensitive, which can be a bit finicky to operate at times.

In addition to the regular power modes, the SMEG PIC01BLMUK includes automated modes for BBQing and Frying, with three programs for each. These modes run a preset heat-up phase before dropping to a lower cooking temperature. While these modes are useful for pre-heating pans, they may not be as exciting as they initially sound, as they don't offer much more than a timed heating phase.

Temperature Probe for Precision Cooking

One standout feature of the SMEG PIC01BLMUK is its temperature probe, which plugs into the side of the hob and can be inserted into the food you're cooking. Once the probe is in place, you can set a target temperature, and the hob will automatically turn off once that temperature is reached. This feature helps prevent overcooking, but it would be even more useful if the hob had preset options for different types of food, like chicken or steak, as seen in other models such as the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ & Smoker.

Performance

Moderate to Quick Boiling Times

To test the hob's power, I ran several standard tests. First, I filled a pan with 1.5 liters of water and used the “P” power setting to measure how quickly it could bring the water from 20°C to 90°C. The SMEG PIC01BLMUK completed this task in 4 minutes and 36 seconds, which is a bit slower compared to integrated models due to its maximum power draw of 2100W.

When I repeated the test with 1 liter of water, the result was 3 minutes and 10 seconds, which is a decent time. For the smallest pan with 500ml of water, the hob completed the test in a speedy 1 minute and 28 seconds—quite fast compared to other portable hobs.

Temperature Holding and Automated Cooking Modes

To test the temperature probe, I used it to maintain a water temperature of 90°C. After leaving the water to sit, it stabilized at 62°C, showing that the hob can effectively hold temperatures.

I also tested the Fry and BBQ functions using an infrared heat gun. The Fry function (F1 setting) heated a pan to 296.2°C after nine minutes, while the BBQ function (B3 setting) heated the pan to 274.6°C after four minutes. Both modes are great for pre-heating pans, but I found it better to manually control the power settings afterward to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

The SMEG PIC01BLMUK is a great portable hob that offers more than just basic controls. With its temperature probe and automated cooking modes, it’s ideal for those who need additional cooking space or want the flexibility to cook outside. However, its higher price point may not appeal to everyone, especially if you only need basic features. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider other portable induction hobs.

For those interested in a full-size induction hob, check out my guide to the best induction hobs.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the SMEG PIC01BLMUK from leading retailers, but if you're ready to buy now, check out this Amazon listing for the SMEG PIC01BLMUK.

FAQs

How can the Smeg PIC01BLMUK’s temperature probe be used?
The probe can be used to cook food to a target temperature, and the hob will automatically stop once the temperature is reached. It can also be used to maintain a set temperature for a specific period of time.

Is the SMEG PIC01BLMUK worth the price?
If you need advanced features like a temperature probe and automated cooking modes, it’s a great option. However, if you just need a basic portable hob, there are cheaper alternatives available.