This is an excellent, feature-rich appliance that bridges the gap between a traditional gas stove and a modern built-in hob. The Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX LOTUS BK DUAL TONE is a top contender in the mid-to-premium segment, leveraging high-quality components for performance.
Overall Expert Rating: 8.8/10
Elica 70cm 4 Burner Hob Review: SABAF Burners, Flexi-Install & Price in India
The Elica 70cm 4-Burner Hob is a high-performance machine designed for the serious home chef who needs power, precision, and modern aesthetics. Its core strength lies in the use of high-quality Italian SABAF Brass Burners, which are renowned globally for their safety, efficiency, and consistent flame delivery.
Priced competitively at ₹11,990 on Amazon India, this hob offers the versatility of Flexi-Installation (Built-in or Freestanding), making it a smart investment for kitchens undergoing renovation or those simply upgrading an existing cooktop.
Elica 70cm 4 Burner Auto Ignition Hob | RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX LOTUS BK DUAL TONE | SABAF Burners...
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Amazon.in - SABAF Multi-Flame Burners: High-efficiency Italian SABAF burners that deliver high efficiency and even flame cooking.
- Burner Configuration: Includes 2 medium lotus burners and 2 small lotus burner to match your daily cooking needs.
- Matt Enamel Cast Iron Pan Support: Ensures stability for heavy cookware and evenly distributes heat across pots and pans.
- Dual-Tone Toughened Glass: Thick toughened dual tone glass surface adds durability and modern flair to your kitchen.
| Rating | Score (out of 10) | Expert Insight |
| Burner Performance | 9.5/10 | SABAF Multi-Flame Burners (up to 2.9 kW) are powerful and efficient. Excellent for diverse Indian cooking styles. |
| Build & Materials | 9.0/10 | Cast Iron Supports and 8mm Toughened Glass are premium touches that ensure durability and stability. |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | High-end features (SABAF, Cast Iron, Flexi-Install) at a mid-range price is exceptional value. |
| Ignition Reliability | 7.0/10 | Battery-operated auto-ignition is convenient but receives mixed feedback on long-term consistency. |
| Warranty | 9.0/10 | 5 Years on Glass & Valves is top-tier assurance for the most vulnerable components. |
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | A premium hob experience delivered at a mid-range price point. |
1. Performance Deep Dive: The SABAF Advantage
Italian SABAF Multi-Flame Brass Burners
This is the single most important component of this hob. SABAF is an Italian manufacturer known for producing superior, high-efficiency burners used by global appliance leaders.
- Burner Configuration: The hob includes a powerful configuration designed for heavy use:
- 2 Large (2.9 kW) Lotus Burners (Triple Ring): These are the powerhouses for deep frying, large kadhais, or rapid boiling. The triple-ring design ensures a wide and even heat spread.
- 2 Medium (1.7 kW) Lotus Burners (Double Ring): Perfect for regular daily cooking, simmering, and precise heat control.
- Efficiency: The Multi-Flame design ensures that the flame is concentrated and delivered efficiently to the base of the vessel, resulting in faster cooking times and better LPG consumption compared to standard Tri-Pin burners.
Cast Iron Pan Supports
Unlike cheaper models that use thin enamel or sheet metal supports, Elica includes Matt Enamel Cast Iron Pan Supports.
- Benefits: They are significantly heavier, providing superior stability for large, heavy Indian cookware (like a full pressure cooker or a large tawa). They also retain heat better, preventing the flame from flickering out and promoting uniform heating.
2. Design & Installation Flexibility
Hybrid Flexi Hobtop
The “Flexi” designation is crucial for Indian consumers.
- Built-in: It can be professionally recessed into your granite countertop (using the 66cm x 48cm cutout size) for a seamless, sleek look.
- Freestanding: It can also be used directly on top of your counter like a standard gas stove, thanks to the finished edges and body structure. This provides excellent versatility for renters or those who plan to move.
Dual-Tone Toughened Glass
The use of thick 8mm Dual-Tone Toughened Glass gives the hob a premium, modern aesthetic. The glass is highly heat- and scratch-resistant, making post-cooking cleanup effortless.
3. Reliability and Warranty Assurance
Auto Ignition Reliability
The hob uses a battery-operated Auto Ignition system activated via the smooth 360° knobs.
- User Feedback: The mixed reviews regarding ignition inconsistency are standard for all mid-range auto-ignition systems (not just Elica). Over time, food residue or moisture near the spark plug can disrupt the spark.
- Solution: Since it’s battery-operated, ensure the battery is replaced annually (or when the spark weakens). Regular, gentle cleaning of the spark plugs is mandatory for consistent performance.
Sector-Leading Warranty
Elica’s warranty is strong: 5 Years on the Glass and Valves, and 2 Years on the overall product components (burners, spark plug, etc.). A 5-year warranty on the glass provides exceptional peace of mind against manufacturing defects or thermal breakage, which are common concerns with glass tops.
Elica 70cm 4 Burner Auto Ignition Hob | RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX LOTUS BK DUAL TONE | SABAF Burners | Cast Iron Pan Support | Dual Tone Toughened Glass…
Original price was: ₹23,990.00.₹11,989.00Current price is: ₹11,989.00. -50%
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4. Final Expert Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
The Elica RG FLEXI HCT 470 DX LOTUS BK is the ideal solution for the modern Indian kitchen seeking a blend of high-end performance and flexible design without the top-tier price tag.
✅ You SHOULD Buy This Hob IF:
- You prioritize fast, efficient cooking and demand the quality of SABAF burners.
- You need superior stability for heavy kadhais and pressure cookers (thanks to Cast Iron supports).
- You value installation flexibility (Built-in or Freestanding).
- You want the confidence of a 5-Year Warranty on Glass and Valves.
❌ You should reconsider IF:
- You are replacing a very old setup and do not want to deal with auto-ignition maintenance.
- You prefer a simple, no-frills gas stove (the 70cm width may require more counter space than standard 60cm models).
Conclusion: The Elica 70cm Hob is a performance bargain. It’s a versatile and powerful kitchen upgrade that will elevate your cooking experience significantly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is the difference between 70cm and 60cm hobs?
A. A 70cm hob (like this Elica) is wider than a standard 60cm stove, offering more spacing between the burners. This is ideal for using four large Indian vessels simultaneously without them clashing.
Q2. Are SABAF burners better than regular brass burners?
A. Yes. SABAF burners (Italian design) are generally considered superior due to their optimized port design, which ensures a more consistent, efficient, and evenly spread flame. They are synonymous with high quality and better gas consumption.
Q3. Do I need to buy a separate battery for the ignition?
A. Yes, the auto-ignition is battery-operated (usually a 1.5V D-cell battery) and does not need a wall plug. You should keep a spare battery, as the auto-ignition will stop working once the battery drains.
Q4. Can I use this for Piped Gas (PNG)?
A. The hob is designed for LPG (cylinder) use. You must contact Elica customer care to book a technician for a nozzle conversion if you intend to use it with PNG. This is usually a chargeable service.
Q5. Is the glass top heat resistant?
A. Yes, it is made of 8mm thick toughened glass, specifically designed to withstand high cooking temperatures. The 5-year warranty on the glass provides assurance against thermal breakage.
