Is the Faber HOB PRIME HT904 the “Goldilocks” choice? Or should you pay more for Bosch?
If you are shopping for a 90cm 4-burner hob, you have already graduated from the “standard stove” league. You want space. You want power. You want to cook a feast without your kadhai bumping into your pressure cooker.
But the 90cm market is confusing. You have the popular Faber HOB PRIME HT904 (~₹20k), its premium sibling the Faber Maxus (~₹24k), the safety-focused Elica Pro Max (~₹22k), and the luxury Bosch (~₹32k+).
Faber HT904 vs Elica vs Bosch: Best 90cm Hob Review (2026)
Which one is actually worth your money? As an expert reviewer, I’ve analyzed the specs, the burners, the safety tech, and thousands of user reviews to give you the definitive answer.
1. The Contenders: At a Glance
| Feature | Faber HT904 (Prime) | Faber Maxus HT904 | Elica Pro Max 91 DX | Bosch 90cm (PNF9B6) |
| Price (Approx) | ₹20,300 | ₹23,800 | ₹22,000 | ₹32,000+ |
| Installation | Hybrid (Hob/Cooktop) | Hybrid | Hybrid | Built-In ONLY |
| Burners | 4 Brass (2x3kW, 2×1.5kW) | 4 Brass | 4 Multi-Flame Brass | 4 True Brass (2x4kW) |
| Safety (FFD) | No | No | Yes (All Burners) | Yes (All Burners) |
| Warranty | 5Y Glass / 5Y Valve | 5Y Glass / 5Y Valve | 5Y Glass/Burner/Valve | 2Y Standard |
| Verdict | Best Value Choice | Premium Look | Best for Safety | Best for Luxury |
2. Deep Dive: Why the Faber HT904 (Prime) is the “Smart Buy”
The “Value King” Argument
The Faber HT904 CRS BR CI AI hits a very specific sweet spot.
- Performance: It gives you powerful 3.0 kW Triple Ring Burners that rival the expensive Bosch for heating speed.
- Flexibility: It is a Hybrid Hobtop. You can drop it into a granite cutout OR put it on its legs like a normal stove. Bosch forces you to cut your granite.
- The Price Gap: At ~₹20,300, it is significantly cheaper than the Elica Pro Max and Bosch. You save money by skipping one feature: FFD (Flame Failure Device).
- Expert Take: If you are a confident cook who doesn’t leave the kitchen while cooking, you can save ₹5,000+ by skipping the automated safety sensors.
The 5-Year Valve Warranty
Faber’s secret weapon is its warranty. While Bosch gives you a standard 2 years, Faber guarantees its Gas Valves for 5 Years. Since a valve leak is the most common and expensive repair for a hob, this offers immense long-term value.
3. Head-to-Head Comparisons
VS. Faber Maxus HT904 (The “Sibling Rivalry”)
- The Difference: The “Maxus” line is marketed as a tier above the “Prime” (HT904) series. In reality, the internal specs are nearly identical. The Maxus often features slightly more premium knob finishes or burner caps.
- Verdict: Stick to the Prime HT904. Unless you prefer the specific look of the Maxus, the performance is identical, and you save ~₹3,000.
VS. Elica Pro Max 91 DX (The “Safety” Challenger)
- Where Elica Wins: Safety. The Elica Pro Max comes with FFD (Flame Failure Device) on all burners. If the flame blows out (e.g., from a ceiling fan), the gas cuts off automatically.
- Where Elica Wins: Burner Warranty. Elica offers a 5-Year Warranty on Burners (vs. Faber’s 2 Years).
- Verdict: If you have elderly parents or young kids at home, pay the extra ~₹2,000 for the Elica Pro Max to get the FFD safety.
VS. Bosch PNF9B6 (The “Luxury” Choice)
- Where Bosch Wins: Raw Power. Bosch’s 4.0 kW Wok Burners are absolute beasts. They are hotter than Faber’s 3.0 kW burners, making them perfect for restaurant-style stir-frying.
- Where Bosch Loses: Flexibility. It is strictly a built-in hob. You cannot use it on a tabletop. And the price is 50% higher.
- Verdict: Buy the Bosch only if you are building a high-end designer kitchen and budget is no issue.
4. User Review Analysis: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
We analyzed over 1,300 verified reviews to find the truth behind the specs.
Faber HT904 Prime: What Owners Say
- ✅ Pros: “Heavy-duty,” “Massive space,” “Great for large vessels.” Users love that they can fit a pressure cooker, a kadhai, and a tava all at once.
- ❌ Cons: “Ignition battery dies fast.” Some users report needing to change the ignition battery every 4-6 months.
Elica Pro Max: What Owners Say
- ✅ Pros: “FFD works perfectly,” “Peace of mind.” The safety features get high praise.
- ❌ Cons: “Service delays.” Elica’s service network in Tier-2 cities receives mixed feedback compared to Faber’s wider reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs related to installation, safety, and maintenance for these specific 90cm hob models.
1. Installation & Cutout Dimensions
Q: What are the exact granite cutout dimensions for these 90cm hobs?
A: Getting the cutout right is critical. Each brand has slightly different requirements despite being “90cm” hobs.
- Faber HT904 & Maxus HT904: Requires a cutout of 825 mm (W) x 475 mm (D).
- Elica Pro Max 91 DX: Requires a cutout of 795 mm (W) x 485 mm (D).
- Bosch PNF9B6 Series: Requires a larger cutout of 850 mm (W) x 490–500 mm (D).
- Expert Tip: Never cut your granite based on online specs alone. Always wait for the product to arrive and use the official paper template provided in the box, as manufacturing tolerances can vary by +/- 2mm.
Q: Can I install the Bosch 90cm hob on a normal kitchen counter without cutting?
A: No. The Bosch PNF9B6 is a dedicated Built-in Hob. It does not typically come with rubber legs for freestanding use. You must cut your granite to install it.
- Contrast: Both the Faber HT904 and Elica Pro Max are “Hybrid” Hobtops. They come with sturdy legs pre-attached, so you can place them on your counter like a regular stove if you don’t want to cut the stone.
2. Power & Ignition
Q: Do these hobs require an electrical socket or a battery for ignition?
A: This is a major difference between the brands:
- Faber HT904 & Elica Pro Max: These typically use a Battery-Operated Ignition (DC 1.5V, Size ‘D’ battery). The battery compartment is located under the hob. Advantage: Works even during power cuts; no messy wires on the counter.
- Bosch 90cm Hob: Uses Electric Auto-Ignition via a standard AC Power Plug. Requirement: You must have a 3-pin electrical socket located below your kitchen counter (inside the cabinet) to plug it in.
Q: How often do I need to change the ignition battery?
A: For the Faber and Elica models, a high-quality alkaline battery (like Duracell) usually lasts 6 to 12 months with average daily use. If the clicking sound becomes slow or stops, simply replace the battery yourself.
3. Warranty & Registration (Crucial!)
Q: Is online registration mandatory to claim the 5-Year Glass Warranty?
A:
- Elica: YES, MANDATORY. Elica’s warranty terms explicitly state that you must register your product on their official website within 3 months of purchase to activate the 5-Year warranty on the glass, burner, and valve. If you fail to register, you may only get the standard 1-2 year coverage.
- Faber: Generally No, but highly recommended. Faber’s 5-Year warranty on the valve/glass is usually standard on the invoice for specific models like the HT904. However, keeping a digital copy of your invoice is essential.
- Bosch: Bosch typically offers a standard 2-Year Comprehensive Warranty. Any “5-Year Glass Warranty” is usually a specific retailer promotion or an add-on purchase. Always check the warranty card inside the box to confirm.
4. Safety & Gas Compatibility
Q: Can I use these hobs with Piped Natural Gas (PNG/IGL)?
A: Yes, but conversion is required.
- All three hobs (Faber, Elica, Bosch) come factory-fitted with jets for LPG (Cylinders).
- To use PNG: You must call the respective brand’s customer care to request a technician visit. They will replace the internal brass nozzles with PNG-compatible ones.
- Cost: This is usually a chargeable service (approx. ₹300–₹600) and should never be done by a local plumber for safety reasons.
Q: Which model is safest for a home with elderly parents?
A: The Elica Pro Max 91 DX or the Bosch PNF9B6.
- Why? Both feature FFD (Flame Failure Device) on all burners. If a gust of wind or milk spill extinguishes the flame, the sensor detects the temperature drop and automatically cuts off the gas supply, preventing dangerous leaks. The standard Faber HT904 (Prime) lacks this feature.
5. Maintenance
Q: Do the metal knobs get hot while cooking?
A: On 90cm hobs, the knobs are spaced further away from the burners than on 60cm hobs, so they generally stay cooler. However, Bosch and Faber use high-quality metal alloy knobs that dissipate heat well. Elica also uses premium knobs, but during long deep-frying sessions on the front burners, any metal knob will get slightly warm to the touch.
Q: How do I clean the Cast Iron pan supports?
A: Cast iron is porous and can rust if soaked.
- Do: Wipe with a soapy sponge and dry immediately.
- Don’t: Put them in a dishwasher (unless specified) or leave them soaking in a sink overnight.
- Pro Tip: Lightly oiling them with a paper towel after cleaning keeps them looking black and new.
5. Final Expert Verdict: Which 90cm Hob Should You Buy?
🏆 The Best All-Rounder: Faber HOB PRIME HT904
Recommendation: BUY THIS if you want maximum space and power for the lowest price.
- It’s the “Toyota” of hobs—reliable, widely serviced, and practical. The Hybrid design ensures it fits any kitchen setup, and the 5-Year Valve Warranty protects your wallet.
🛡️ The Safety Pick: Elica Pro Max 91 DX
Recommendation: BUY THIS if safety is your #1 priority.
- The addition of FFD (Flame Failure Device) and a longer Burner Warranty makes it worth the small price premium over the Faber.
💎 The Chef’s Choice: Bosch 90cm Series
Recommendation: BUY THIS only for high-end, built-in kitchens.
- The 4.0 kW burners are unmatched for performance, but the lack of portability and high price make it a niche luxury buy.
