Faber Hobtop vs Cooktop: Best 3 & 4 Burner Comparison Guide
Faber is a leading name in Indian kitchen appliances, offering a diverse range of cooktops and hobs. Understanding the key differences between their flagship Hobtop (Hybrid) and Cooktop (Standalone) models, as well as the burner technology, is crucial for making the right purchase for your kitchen.
Here is a detailed comparison of Faber’s top-selling cooktop models available in India.
Faber’s Top Cooktop Models: A Quick Comparison
| Model | Type & Installation | Burner Technology | Ignition | Pan Support | Warranty Highlights | Ideal For |
| Hobtop Prime HT703/HT704 | Hybrid (Built-in/Tabletop) | Multi-flame Burners | Auto Ignition | Cast Iron (CI) | 5 Years on Glass & Valve | Modular kitchens, precision cooking |
| Cooktop Jumbo 4BB BK AI | Cooktop (Tabletop) | Standard Brass (with Jumbo) | Auto Ignition | Aluminium Trivet | 5 Years on Burner & Glass | Large families, heavy-duty cooking |
| Hob Cooktop Daisy 3BB BK | Cooktop (Tabletop) | Standard Brass | Manual Ignition | Black Diamond Coated | Standard | Budget-conscious buyers, small families |
| Hob Cooktop Crystal 3BB SS | Cooktop (Tabletop) | Standard Brass | Auto Ignition | Not Specified | Standard | Buyers prioritizing durability over glass aesthetics |
1. The Primary Distinction: Hobtop vs. Cooktop
The most significant choice you’ll make is between a Hobtop and a standard Cooktop:
| Feature | Faber Hobtop (Prime Series) | Faber Cooktop (Daisy, Jumbo Series) |
| Installation | Hybrid. Can be used as a countertop unit or permanently built into a pre-cut kitchen slab for a sleek, flush finish. | Standalone Tabletop. Designed to sit directly on the kitchen counter, offering portability. |
| Design | Typically more premium, featuring an 8mm Toughened Glass surface and premium metal knobs. | Standard design, focused on robustness and functionality. |
| Cut-Out | Requires a precise cut-out (e.g., $555 \text{ mm} \times 475 \text{ mm}$ for HT703). | No cut-out required. |
Verdict: Choose a Hobtop if you have a modular kitchen and desire a seamless, high-end look. Choose a standard Cooktop if you need portability, are budget-conscious, or prefer a simple countertop placement.
2. Performance & Precision: The Burner Technology
Faber distinguishes its models based on burner efficiency and control.
| Burner Type | Performance Characteristics | Models |
| Multi-Flame Burner | Features two or more concentric flame rings controlled by a single knob. This provides superior heat control, allowing for everything from a high-power triple ring for fast heating to a low single ring for perfect simmering. Highly efficient. | Hobtop Prime HT703, HT704 |
| Standard Brass Burner | Durable, fuel-efficient brass burners, commonly used in most Indian gas stoves. Reliable and long-lasting. | Daisy 3BB, Jumbo 4BB BK AI, Crystal 3BB SS |
| Jumbo Burner | An oversized brass burner specifically designed for large Indian utensils like kadhais and pressure cookers. It ensures even heat distribution across the wide base of large vessels. | Hobtop Prime HT703, Cooktop Jumbo 4BB AI |
Verdict: For unmatched cooking precision and flexibility, the Multi-Flame burners in the Hobtop Prime series are the superior choice.
3. Key Feature Deep Dive (Buyer’s Checklist)
A. Pan Support Material
The material of the pan support (trivet) affects stability and durability.
- Cast Iron (CI): Found on the Hobtop Prime models. CI is heavier, provides greater stability for large vessels, and retains heat better. It’s the standard for premium hobs.
- Aluminium Trivet: Used on the Cooktop Jumbo. It is lighter and easier to clean.
- Black Diamond Coated: Used on the Cooktop Daisy. Designed to be scratch-resistant and durable.
B. Ignition Type
- Auto Ignition (AI): Featured on the Hobtop Prime, Jumbo, and Crystal models. It ignites the flame automatically with a simple turn and push of the knob, eliminating the need for a lighter or matchstick.
- Manual Ignition (MI): Featured on the Cooktop Daisy. Requires an external source (lighter or matchstick) to light the burner.
C. Surface Material
- Toughened Black Glass: Found on almost all top-selling models (Prime, Daisy, Jumbo). It offers a modern, sleek aesthetic and is easy to wipe clean. Faber provides an excellent 5-year warranty on the glass.
- Stainless Steel (SS): Featured on the Cooktop Crystal 3BB SS. It is extremely durable, resists chipping, and is a practical choice for heavy use, though it requires more effort to keep smudge-free.
D. Warranty & Peace of Mind
Faber provides a robust warranty structure that covers the core components, showcasing their confidence in quality.
| Component | Hobtop Prime HT703/704 | Cooktop Jumbo 4BB AI |
| Comprehensive | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Glass & Valves | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Burners | 2 Years | 5 Years |
Note on Warranty: The Cooktop Jumbo 4BB AI offers a superior 5-year warranty on the burners, making it an excellent long-term investment for high-volume Indian cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Faber Cooktop Comparison
These FAQs address the most crucial technical, installation, and performance questions related to Faber’s best-selling Hobtop and Cooktop models in India, ensuring comprehensive buyer guidance.
I. Installation & Design
Q1: What is the fundamental difference between a Faber ‘Hobtop’ and a ‘Cooktop’?
A: The main difference lies in the installation.
- Faber Cooktop (e.g., Daisy, Jumbo): This is a standard tabletop appliance that simply rests on your kitchen counter and does not require a cut-out.
- Faber Hobtop (e.g., Prime HT series): This is a hybrid appliance.1 It can be used as a countertop unit or installed as a built-in hob by placing it flush into a precise cut-out in the kitchen slab, offering a seamless look.
Q2: Do Faber Hobtops come with a standard size, or do I need to measure my counter?
A: You must measure your counter and use the specific cut-out dimensions provided in the product manual. For example, the Faber Hobtop Prime HT703 (70cm width) requires a precise cut-out of around 2$555 \text{ mm (W)} \times 475 \text{ mm (D)}$.3 Always confirm these specifications before cutting your kitchen slab.
Q3: Is the Cast Iron pan support on the Hobtop Prime better than the Aluminium trivet on the Cooktop Jumbo?
A: Generally, Cast Iron (CI) is considered superior for premium hobs because:
- Stability: It is heavier and provides better stability for large and heavy Indian vessels.
- Heat Retention: CI retains heat, which helps in consistent cooking even after the flame is slightly reduced.4
The Aluminium trivet is lighter and easier to handle, but may offer less stability for very heavy cookware.
II. Performance & Technology
Q4: What is the benefit of the Multi-Flame Burner (found in Hobtop Prime) over a standard Tri-Pin burner?
A: The Multi-Flame Burner provides greater cooking versatility and control.5 It features multiple concentric flame rings that are controlled by a single knob, allowing you to:
- Achieve a high-intensity, large flame (Triple-Ring) for fast heating and deep frying.
- Use a very low, single-ring flame for controlled simmering and slow cooking.This precision is ideal for varied Indian and international cuisine.
Q5: What is the purpose of the ‘Jumbo Burner’ and which models include it?
A: The Jumbo Burner is an oversized, high-output burner designed for using large Indian utensils (like heavy-duty pressure cookers or large kadhais).6 It ensures the flame covers the entire base of the utensil, leading to faster and more uniform cooking. It is a key feature in models like the Hobtop Prime HT703 and the Cooktop Jumbo 4BB AI.
Q6: Are Faber cooktops suitable for both LPG (Cylinder Gas) and PNG (Piped Natural Gas)?
A: Yes, but they are typically factory-set for LPG. If you use PNG, you must arrange for a nozzle conversion by an authorized technician or your PNG provider. This is necessary because PNG operates at a lower pressure than LPG.
III. Warranty & Durability
Q7: What are the main warranty components I should look for in a Faber cooktop?
A: Faber is known for its extended warranties on core components:
- 5 Years on the Toughened Glass (against manufacturing defects).7
- 5 Years on the Gas Valves (the internal components controlling the gas flow).8
- 2 to 5 Years on the Brass Burners themselves, depending on the model (e.g., the Cooktop Jumbo offers 5 years).
Q8: Does Faber provide after-sales service and installation support in India?
A: Yes, Faber has a service network across India for installation and repairs.9 It is highly recommended to use authorized Faber technicians for the installation of Hobtops to ensure the cut-out and fitting are done correctly, which is required to keep the full warranty valid. You should check the service presence in your local area before purchase.
Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Model?
| Model | Recommendation |
| Faber Hobtop Prime HT703/HT704 | Best for Modern & Modular Kitchens. Ideal for users who want a high-end, built-in look, superior cooking control via Multi-Flame burners, and heavy-duty Cast Iron pan supports. |
| Faber Cooktop Jumbo 4BB BK AI | Best for Large Families & Heavy Cooking. The best choice for frequent, heavy Indian cooking. It offers four burners, including a jumbo size, Auto Ignition, and an outstanding 5-year warranty on the brass burners. |
| Faber Hob Cooktop Daisy 3BB BK | Best for Budget & Basic Needs. A reliable, functional 3-burner model perfect for small families or renters who need a simple countertop unit with durable brass burners without the complexity of Auto Ignition or Multi-Flame technology. |
| Faber Hob Cooktop Crystal 3BB SS | Best for Durability & Traditional Look. Suited for users who prefer the traditional robustness and maintenance of a stainless steel body over a glass surface. |
