Is the Elica Flexi the best value hob in India, or should you pay double for Faber/KAFF?
If you are upgrading your kitchen, you are likely stuck between two choices: a “Built-in Hob” (sleek but requires cutting granite) or a “Gas Stove” (easy to install but bulky).
The Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX claims to be the solution: a “Flexi-Hobtop” that gives you the premium built-in look but can also sit on your counter like a normal stove. At a deal price of ₹11,990, it is 50% cheaper than similar models from Faber and KAFF.
But is it too good to be true? We compared it against the Faber Experia HT 704 and KAFF ALN-784 to see if the Elica cuts corners or just cuts the price.
1. The Contenders: At a Glance
| Feature | Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX | Faber Experia HT 704 | KAFF ALN-784 |
| Current Price (Approx) | ₹11,990 | ₹24,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹34,000 |
| Installation | Hybrid (Built-in OR Free-Standing) | Built-in (Hybrid capability ambiguous) | Built-in Only |
| Burner Tech | Italian SABAF (Brass) | Heavy Brass | Black Coated Brass |
| Burner Power | 2x 2.5 kW, 2x 1.7 kW | 1x 3.0 kW, 1x 2.8 kW, 2x 1.7 kW | 2x Triple Ring, 2x Dual Ring |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Glass & Valves) | 5 Years (Glass & Valves) | Varies (Typically 2 Yrs) |
| Size (Width) | 70 cm | 70 cm | 78 cm |
| Best For | Value & Versatility | Raw Heating Power | Premium Aesthetics |
2. Deep Dive: Why Elica Disrupted the Market
The “Flexi” Factor (Installation)
- Elica: The “Flexi” series is designed with sturdy legs. You can place it on your countertop today and drop it into a cutout tomorrow. It fits into a standard 660 x 480 mm cutout, which is a common size for upgrading.
- KAFF: The ALN-784 is a strict built-in hob. It does not come with legs for countertop use. You must cut your granite to install it.
- Faber: While the Experia is a robust hob, it is primarily marketed as a built-in unit. While it can sit on a counter, it lacks the specific “Free-Standing” marketing focus of the Elica.
Burner Performance: SABAF vs. High Power
- Elica (SABAF): Uses Italian SABAF burners. These are famous for fuel efficiency and a clean blue flame. The max power is 2.5 kW. This is excellent for daily cooking but slightly slower than Faber for boiling huge pots of water.
- Faber (Raw Power): Faber wins the horsepower race. It features a massive 3.0 kW Triple Ring burner. If you do heavy-duty wok cooking or deep frying for a large family, Faber will heat oil faster.
- KAFF (Aesthetics): KAFF uses Black Coated Brass burners. These look stunning and stealthy in a modern kitchen, but over 5-7 years, coatings can sometimes peel or discolor, whereas Elica’s raw brass will just turn golden-brown (natural patina).
The Price Gap: Where did the ₹12,000 go?
The Elica costs half as much as the Faber and KAFF. Why?
- Brand Positioning: KAFF and Faber position themselves as luxury/premium brands.
- Burner Size: Faber gives you a slightly larger 3.0 kW burner vs Elica’s 2.5 kW.
- Finish: KAFF’s beveled glass and coated burners are more expensive to manufacture.
Expert Verdict: For the average Indian home, the Elica’s SABAF burners are more than sufficient. Unless you are a professional chef needing 3.0 kW power, saving ₹12,000 is the smarter move.
3. Real-World User Feedback (The Truth)
Elica RG FLEXI 470
- ✅ Pros: “Looks indistinguishable from a ₹25k hob,” “Installation was free/easy,” “Great flame control.”
- ❌ Cons: “Auto-ignition can be finicky” (a common issue with battery-operated hobs), “Service in Tier-3 cities can be slow.”
Faber Experia HT 704
- ✅ Pros: “Extremely heavy and stable,” “High heat output,” “Metal knobs feel premium.”
- ❌ Cons: “Expensive,” “Glass cleaning requires effort.”
KAFF ALN-784
- ✅ Pros: “Stunning looks,” “Black burners stay looking new longer (if maintained well).”
- ❌ Cons: “Price is too high for similar specs,” “Parts are expensive to replace.”
4. Final Expert Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
🏆 The Value Champion: Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX
Recommendation: BUY THIS.
- Why? It offers 90% of the performance of the expensive hobs for 50% of the price. The 5-Year Warranty on Glass & Valves matches Faber’s warranty, neutralizing the reliability concern. The ability to use it without cutting your kitchen slab is a massive bonus for renters or those with finished kitchens.
🔥 The Power Pick: Faber Experia HT 704
Recommendation: Buy if you need speed.
- Why? If you regularly cook for 6+ people and need to boil/fry rapidly, the 3.0 kW burner is a tangible upgrade. It is a workhorse for heavy-duty Indian kitchens.
✨ The Designer Choice: KAFF ALN-784
Recommendation: Buy for the look.
- Why? If you have an all-black modular kitchen and budget is no constraint, the black-coated burners and wider 78cm body offer the most premium aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is better: Elica, Faber, or KAFF 4-burner hobs?
A. It depends on your priority. Elica (RG FLEXI 470) is the best value for money, offering premium features like SABAF burners and a 5-year warranty for half the price. Faber (Experia HT 704) is better for heavy-duty cooking due to its high-power 3.0 kW burner. KAFF (ALN-784) is the top choice for premium aesthetics if budget is not an issue.
Q2. Can the Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 be used as a gas stove without cutting the slab?
A. Yes. The “Flexi” design means it comes with sturdy legs and finished edges, allowing it to be used as a freestanding countertop stove. It also fits into a standard 660 x 480 mm granite cutout if you decide to install it as a built-in hob later.
Q3. What is the difference between SABAF burners and normal brass burners?
A. SABAF burners are Italian-engineered for high efficiency and precise flame control. They use a “Lotus” flame pattern that distributes heat evenly, reducing gas wastage and preventing food from burning at the center. Standard brass burners (like in some KAFF/Faber models) often prioritize raw heat output over precision.
Q4. Does the Elica 70cm Hob require a power point for auto-ignition?
A. No. The Elica RG FLEXI 470 uses a battery-operated DC ignition system. You need to insert a standard 1.5V battery (usually size D) underneath the hob. You do not need an electrical wall socket near the stove.
Q5. Is the glass top of the Elica hob durable for Indian cooking?
A. Yes. It features 8mm thick Toughened Glass, which is highly heat and scratch-resistant. Elica backs this durability with a 5-Year Warranty on the Glass, covering you against thermal breakage or manufacturing defects, which is superior to the standard 1-2 year warranties from many competitors.
Q6. Does the Elica 470 hob have a Triple Ring burner for deep frying?
A. No. The Elica RG FLEXI 470 features 2 Medium Lotus (2.5 kW) and 2 Small Lotus (1.7 kW) burners. While efficient for curries and chapati, it lacks the massive 3.0 kW+ “Triple Ring” burner found in the Faber Experia, which heats oil faster for heavy deep frying.
Q7. What is the cutout size for the Elica 70cm 4-Burner Hob?
A. The required granite cutout size for the Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 is 660 mm (Width) x 480 mm (Depth). This is a standard size that fits most kitchen slabs when upgrading from a 3 or 4-burner stove.
