Faber vs Elica vs Glen: The Ultimate 5-Burner Gas Hob Review
If you regularly cook large family meals or intricate Indian feasts, you already know the frustration of juggling pots and pans on a cramped three- or four-burner stove. Upgrading to a 90cm, 5-burner hob is a fantastic solution to this pain point, offering the breathing room and high heat output required for heavy-duty cooking.
But with top brands fiercely competing for your kitchen counter space, which one should you choose?
As an appliance reviewer, I’ve taken a deep dive into the mid-range luxury hob market. Below is a comprehensive, expert evaluation of the Faber Maxus HT905 CRS BR CI AI, directly compared with its strongest rivals: the Elica FLEXI 590 LOTUS and the GLEN 1095 SQ DB TR.
Let’s break down the features, real-world performance, and the occasional flaws you need to know before investing.
Faber Hob/Hobtop 5 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT905 CRS BR CI AI) Black
Amazon.in - 5 Brass Burner with Black Enameled Burners for superior Aesthetic looks
- High Performance Burners 2.5 KW and 1.5 KW Burner combination
- Ignition type: In Built Auto Electric 1.5 V Dc
- Heavy duty Cast Iron pan support designed especially to provide maximum stability to Indian cookware
- Premium Metal Knobs with Golden Insets
- Toughened Glass: 8 mm thick toughened glass top
- Dimensions :Length - 865 mm , Width- 525 mm , Height - 13 mm
- Includes: Cooktop, Instruction manual and Warranty card
- Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty
- Includes: Hobtop, Instruction manual and Warranty card.
1. Deep Dive: Faber Maxus HT905 CRS BR CI AI Review
The Heavy-Duty Workhorse for Indian Kitchens
- Price Range: ₹22,400 – ₹27,004
- Best For: Powerful performance, heavy vessels, and hybrid installation.
The Faber Maxus HT905 is uniquely designed to handle the rigors of Indian cooking. What makes it stand out is its hybrid design—you can install it flush into your countertop as a sleek built-in hob, or use it as a freestanding hobtop thanks to its sturdy legs.
(A quick correction on standard e-commerce listings: You might see this listed online with “Fuel Type: Electric” or “Power Source: Corded Electric.” This is a misconception. It is a traditional gas hob that uses a 1.5V DC battery for its auto-ignition system, meaning you don’t need to plug it into a wall outlet!)
Key Features & How They Solve Your Problems:
- High-Heat Brass Burners: It features 5 Indian-style brass burners with a sleek black enamel coating. The combination of 3 Mini Triple Ring burners (2.5 kW) and 2 Double Ring burners (1.5 kW) means you get intense, even heat for deep-frying or stir-frying, alongside gentler flames for simmering gravies.
- Wobble-Free Cooking: The heavy-duty cast iron pan supports are a massive plus. If you hate it when your kadai or tawa slides around while stirring, these robust supports provide maximum stability.
- Easy Cleanup & Aesthetics: The 8mm thick toughened black glass isn’t just for show. It is highly resistant to heat and scratches, making wiping down oil splatters and spills significantly easier.
The Real User Verdict:
With a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 global ratings, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive regarding build quality and aesthetics.
The Catch: Candor is important here. While 66% of users give it a glowing 5-star rating, the battery-operated auto-ignition system has mixed reviews. Some users report it works flawlessly, while others find it occasionally unresponsive. Additionally, a few users noted the flame output can sometimes feel slow depending on the local gas pressure, though most find it excellent for heavy Indian cooking.
2. Direct Competitor Comparison
How does the Faber stack up against the competition? Let’s look at the alternatives.
Elica FLEXI 590 LOTUS (The Value Champion)
- Price Range: ₹19,999 – ₹23,990
- Burners: 5 Multi-flame Italian SABAF brass burners.
- The Vibe: Sleek, modern, and budget-friendly.
Expert View: If budget is your primary constraint but you still want premium aesthetics, Elica is hard to beat. The Italian SABAF burners are incredibly fuel-efficient and visually striking. However, much like the Faber, its battery-operated ignition can be slightly finicky over time. It utilizes cast iron supports with a heat guard, which is great, though slightly less heavy-duty than Faber’s pure cast iron blocks.
Glen 1095 SQ DB TR (The Precision & Safety Pick)
- Price Range: ₹28,080 – ₹30,859
- Burners: 5 Forged brass burners.
- The Vibe: High-end safety and flawless ignition.
Expert View: Glen targets the premium buyer who refuses to compromise on safety and precision. The standout features here are the Italian gas valves for micro-level flame control and the Flame Failure Device (FFD). If the flame blows out from a gust of wind or a liquid spill, the FFD automatically cuts off the gas supply—a massive safety upgrade neither the base Faber nor Elica models offer. Furthermore, its AC 230V “Multi-Spark” ignition plugs directly into the wall, offering a much smoother and more reliable start than battery-operated systems.
3. Feature Breakdown at a Glance
For a quick comparison, here is how the specifications align:
| Feature | Faber Maxus HT905 | Elica FLEXI 590 LOTUS | GLEN 1095 SQ DB TR |
| Current Market Price | ~₹27,004 | ~₹19,999 | ~₹30,859 |
| Burner Tech | Indian-style Brass (Black Enameled) | Italian SABAF Brass | Forged Brass |
| Ignition System | Auto (1.5V DC Battery) | Auto (Battery Operated) | AC 230-240V Multi-spark (Corded) |
| Pan Supports | Heavy Cast Iron | Cast Iron with Heat Guard | Vitreous Enamelled |
| Glass Top | 8mm Toughened | 8mm Toughened | 8mm Toughened |
| Safety Feature (FFD) | No | No | Yes |
| Ideal For | Heavy cooking, stability | Budget buyers, aesthetics | Safety-conscious, precision control |
5. Warranty and After-Sales Support: Protecting Your Investment
When investing in a high-end gas hob, peace of mind is just as important as cooking performance. A robust warranty ensures you are protected against manufacturing defects, glass shattering, or burner warping over time.
Here is how the warranty policies for Faber, Elica, and Glen stack up against each other:
Faber Maxus HT905 Warranty
Faber is known for its sturdy build quality, and their warranty provides solid standard coverage. While it is highly reliable, the burner warranty is slightly shorter than its competitors.
- Comprehensive Warranty: 1 Year covering all functional components.
- Burner Warranty: 2 Years on the brass burners.
- Glass & Valve Warranty: 5 Years on the 8mm toughened glass and gas valves.
- Expert Tip: Faber offers an option to purchase an extended 3-year warranty directly from their website (typically around ₹1,990). This covers labor charges and all functional components, making it a highly recommended add-on for long-term peace of mind.+1
Faber Hob/Hobtop 5 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT905 CRS BR CI AI) Black
Original price was: ₹27,700.00.₹27,004.00Current price is: ₹27,004.00. -3%
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Elica FLEXI 590 LOTUS Warranty
Elica currently offers one of the most aggressive and industry-leading warranty packages in the market. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for buyers who want maximum long-term security.
- Comprehensive Warranty: 2 Years on the entire appliance from the date of purchase.
- Glass & Valve Warranty: 5 Years on the toughened glass and gas valves.
- Burner Warranty: 10 Years (Lifetime) on the SABAF brass burners.
- Expert Tip: To activate the lifetime burner warranty and the extended glass warranty, you must register your product on the Elica website (myelica.in) within three months of purchase. Do not skip this step!
GLEN 1095 SQ DB TR Warranty
Glen matches its premium safety features with a highly reliable warranty, specifically targeting the most critical and expensive components of the hob.
- Comprehensive Warranty: Standard 2 Years on the overall product.
- Extended Component Warranty: 5 Years covering the Forged Brass Burners, the Gas Valves, and the Toughened Glass.
- Expert Tip: Similar to Elica, Glen strictly requires customers to register their hob online within 90 days of purchase to avail the 5-year extended warranty. If you fail to register, your coverage will default to the standard 2-year period.
The Verdict on Warranties
If the longest possible coverage is your top priority, Elica wins the category with its 10-year burner warranty and 2-year comprehensive coverage. However, Glen offers a highly balanced and premium 5-year blanket coverage on all its core parts (glass, valves, and burners). Faber offers standard base coverage, but their official extended warranty program is incredibly straightforward and worth the minor extra investment.
Would you like to find the customer care numbers and service network details for these brands to help you determine which one has the best after-sales presence in your area?
6. Built-in Hob vs. Freestanding Hobtop: Which Should You Choose?
One of the biggest dilemmas buyers face is whether to cut into their kitchen counter or buy a standard stove. The beauty of models like the Faber Maxus HT905 is that they are hybrid “hobtops.” But what does that actually mean for your kitchen setup?
- The Built-in Look (Flush Installation): This requires cutting a specific rectangle out of your granite or quartz countertop (for the Faber HT905, the cut-out size is 825 x 475 mm). The appliance drops right in, sitting perfectly flush with the counter.
- Benefit: It looks incredibly seamless, modern, and makes wiping down the counter a breeze since there are no gaps for food crumbs to hide under.
- The Freestanding Setup (Countertop): If you live in a rented apartment or don’t want to permanently alter your expensive countertop, you can simply place the hobtop directly on the counter. It comes with sturdy legs designed to elevate the glass safely above the surface.
- Benefit: Zero installation hassle. You can plug in the gas pipe and start cooking immediately.
Expert Tip: If you are renovating your kitchen, always buy the hob before the marble cutters arrive. Giving them the physical appliance or the exact cut-out dimensions ensures a perfect, mistake-free fit.
7. Pro Maintenance: How to Keep Your Black Glass Hob Spotless
Toughened black glass looks spectacular in a showroom, but keeping it shiny after a messy Indian cooking session requires a quick routine. Many users search for ways to maintain their hobs, so following these steps will ensure your 5-burner stove looks new for years:
- Cool Down First: Never wipe a hot glass hob with a wet cloth. The sudden temperature change (thermal shock) can weaken the toughened glass over time. Let it cool completely.
- Skip the Abrasives: Ditch the steel wool and harsh scouring pads. Use a soft microfiber cloth with a dedicated glass cleaner or a simple mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe away oil splatters.
- Clean the Burners Regularly: Brass burners naturally oxidize and turn dark over time. To maintain their efficiency, soak the removable brass rings in warm soapy water and scrub the gas ports with an old toothbrush to prevent clogs.
- Dry Completely: After cleaning, wipe the glass with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent hard water stains and streaks.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 5-Burner Gas Hobs
Do 5-burner gas hobs consume more gas?
Having five burners doesn’t automatically mean you will use more gas. Your fuel consumption depends entirely on how many burners you use simultaneously and the flame intensity. In fact, high-efficiency burners (like the SABAF burners in the Elica FLEXI 590) can actually reduce your overall cooking time, saving gas in the long run.
Can I manually light an auto-ignition hob if the battery dies?
Yes! If the 1.5V DC battery in your Faber or Elica hob dies—or if the power goes out while using the corded Glen model—you can easily light the burners manually using a standard kitchen lighter or a matchstick. The gas flow works entirely independently of the electric spark.
Is 8mm toughened glass safe for heavy Indian cooking?
Absolutely. The 8mm toughened (tempered) glass used in premium brands like Faber, Glen, and Elica is thermally treated to withstand extreme temperatures and heavy loads. It is specifically designed to handle the weight of large pressure cookers and cast-iron tawas without cracking under the pressure.
What is a Flame Failure Device (FFD)?
An FFD is a vital safety sensor. If your gas flame goes out accidentally—perhaps due to a strong breeze from a window or water boiling over—the FFD detects the drop in temperature and automatically cuts off the gas supply within seconds, preventing a dangerous gas leak in your kitchen.
9. People Also Ask (PAA)
Which is the best gas hob brand in India: Elica, Faber, or Glen?
There is no single “best” brand, as it depends entirely on your cooking style. Faber is widely considered the best for heavy, oil-based Indian cooking due to its rugged build and high-heat output. Elica takes the crown for modern aesthetics and value for money, often featuring highly efficient Italian SABAF burners. Glen, meanwhile, is the top choice for buyers prioritizing premium safety features like Flame Failure Devices (FFD) and precision forged brass burners.
Is a 90cm 5-burner hob too big for a standard kitchen?
A 90cm hob requires about 3 feet of horizontal counter space. While it fits beautifully in medium-to-large kitchens, it might overwhelm a highly compact kitchen. The key is ensuring you have at least 12 to 15 inches of free counter space on either side of the hob for food prep and resting hot pans.
What is the difference between SABAF, Indian Brass, and Forged Brass burners?
- SABAF Burners (Elica): Italian-engineered for maximum fuel efficiency and precise, concentric flames. Great for even heating.
- Indian Brass Burners (Faber): Designed with wider ports to deliver the high, aggressive heat needed for deep-frying and heavy kadais. Very resistant to clogging from oil spills.
- Forged Brass Burners (Glen): Created by compressing brass at extreme pressures, making them incredibly dense, heat-resistant, and virtually immune to warping or melting over time.
How long does the battery last in an auto-ignition hob?
Most battery-operated hobs (like the Faber Maxus and Elica FLEXI) use a standard 1.5V battery (often a D-size cell). Under normal daily usage, a high-quality alkaline battery will last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Replacing it is as simple as unscrewing a small compartment underneath the hob.
Do I absolutely need a 90cm chimney for a 90cm 5-burner stove?
Yes. A golden rule of kitchen ventilation is that your chimney must be exactly the same width as, or slightly wider than, your cooktop. If you place a standard 60cm chimney over a 90cm 5-burner hob, it will fail to capture the smoke, grease, and fumes generated by the outer burners, leaving your kitchen greasy and filled with odors.
4. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the right gas hob comes down to identifying your biggest kitchen pain point:
- Buy the Faber Maxus HT905 if: You do heavy Indian cooking, use large heavy-bottomed cookware, and want the flexibility of using it as a countertop stove before committing to cutting your granite for a built-in look. It offers the best durability-to-price ratio.
- Buy the Elica FLEXI 590 LOTUS if: You are upgrading on a strict budget. You get the luxury look of a 90cm 5-burner hob and highly efficient Italian burners without breaking the bank.
- Buy the Glen 1095 SQ DB TR if: You have the budget for premium safety. The inclusion of a Flame Failure Device (FFD) and a highly reliable plug-in electric ignition makes this the smartest choice for families prioritizing safety and long-term reliability.
