Is Forged Brass Better? An Expert Comparison of India’s Top 3-Burner Hobs.
Glen 1073 vs Faber vs Elica: Best 3-Burner Hob in India (2026 Review)
If you are shopping for a 3-burner built-in hob in India, you have likely realized that the market is flooded with options that look identical. Black glass, three knobs, and a promise of “Italian technology.”
However, look closer, and the differences in burner material, valve quality, and warranty are massive.
In this expert showdown, we pit the popular Glen 1073 SQ HT DB against its fiercest rivals: the Faber Maxus HT603, Elica Flexi Swirl 3B, and Kaff CRH 603. We analyze them on durability, flame technology, and real-world user reliability to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Faber Hob/Hobtop 3 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT603 CRS BR CI AI) Black
Amazon.in - 3 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 - 595 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.
Glen 3 Burner Built in Glass Gas Hob Top with Italian Double Ring Burners, Auto Ignition, Black (1073 SQ HT...
Amazon.in - Built in Hob equipped with 3 Different Italian double ring burners: 1 Big, 1 Small and 1 Triple Ring burner for diverse cooking requirements | Integrated auto ignition 1.5 V - no need to search for lighter or matchstick.
- Easy to clean 8 mm thick toughened glass, scratch and stain resistant. All black look enhance the beauty of modern kitchen.
- Vitreous Enameled pan supports for accommodation of heavy and large utensils with convenience | Fixed Stainless steel drip tray for cleaning of food spillage
- Smoothly operating knobs for that firm grip and hassle free usage in longer run | High precision gas valve for no sim off.
- Hob is compatible with LPG and can be converted to PNG on request basis. For conversion to PNG, please contact Brand Authorized Service Helpline. The conversion will be a paid service.
- Package Contains: Hob, Pan supports, Burners, User Instruction Manual, D Size Battery
Elica Hob 3 Burner Auto Ignition Glass Top - 2 SWIRL Burner and 1 Dual Brass Burner (PRO MFC 3B...
Amazon.in - Built-in Hob: Its fixed to the countertop and it's not flexible unlike free-standing units.
KAFF CRH603 60 cm Built-in Gas Hob | 3 Tornado Burners (1 Triple + 2 Dual Ring) | Auto Electric...
Amazon.in - High-Efficiency Tornado Burners:- Equipped with 3 powerful tornado style burners (1 Triple Ring + 2 Dual Ring) designed for faster cooking, better flame control and uniform heat distribution.
- Premium 8 mm Tempered Glass Top:- Durable black tempered glass surface adds a modern premium look while offering heat resistance, scratch resistance and easy cleaning.
- Convenient Auto Electric Ignition:- Integrated auto ignition system ensures quick and hassle-free burner ignition without the need for a lighter or matchstick.
- Heavy-Duty Metal Knobs:- Ergonomic metal control knobs provide smooth operation, precise flame control and long-lasting durability.
- Stable Matt Enamelled Pan Support:- Strong matt enamelled pan supports keep cookware stable while cooking, ensuring safety and convenience.
- Stainless Steel Drip Tray for Easy Cleaning :- Integrated stainless steel drip tray collects spills and food residue, helping maintain hygiene and simplifying maintenance.
- Perfect for Modular Kitchens:- Compact 60 cm built-in hob design seamlessly fits into modular kitchen countertops with a cut-out (Inner Size) size of 555 × 475 mm.
Glen Hob Built In Hob 3 Burner Gas Stove Auto Ignition 8 MM Toughened Glass Black Forged Brass Burner with Double Ring Flame Gas Stove 3 Burner…
Original price was: ₹25,995.00.₹17,199.00Current price is: ₹17,199.00. -34%
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Quick Verdict: The Expert’s Choice
| Best For… | Winner | Why? |
| Durability & Heavy Cooking | 🏆 Glen 1073 SQ HT DB | Forged Brass Burners (5x stronger) & Double Ring Flame make it the undisputed king for Indian rotis and curries. |
| Warranty Coverage | 🥈 Faber Maxus HT603 | Matches Glen’s glass warranty but adds a 5-Year Valve Warranty, offering great financial peace of mind. |
| Installation Flexibility | 🥉 Elica Flexi Swirl 3B | The “Flexi” design fits into existing cutouts easily, making it great for replacements, though service reviews are mixed. |
| Modern Aesthetics | Kaff CRH 603 | “Tornado” style burners and black-coated finish look stunning in modern kitchens, but maintenance can be trickier. |
1. The Contenders: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Glen 1073 SQ HT DB | Faber Maxus HT603 | Elica Flexi Swirl 3B | Kaff CRH 603 |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹13,777 | ₹16,200 | ₹13,500 | ₹16,000 |
| Burner Material | Forged Brass (Double Ring) | Cast Brass | Brass (Lotus/Swirl) | Alloy/Coated Brass (Tornado) |
| Burner Setup | 2 Big + 1 Small | 1 Mini Triple + 2 Double | 2 Medium + 1 Small | 1 Triple + 2 Dual |
| Glass Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 2 Years (Standard) |
| Valve Warranty | Standard (2 Yrs) | 5 Years | 5 Years | Standard (2 Yrs) |
| Pan Supports | Vitreous Enameled Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Enameled Matt |
| Unique Safety | “No Sim-Off” (Flame won’t die on low) | Anti-Leak Tech | Multi-Flame Control | N/A |
Glen 3 Burner Built in Glass Gas Hob Top with Italian Double Ring Burners, Auto Ignition, Black (1073 SQ HT in TR)
Original price was: ₹22,995.00.₹17,290.00Current price is: ₹17,290.00. -25%- Built in Hob …
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2. Deep Dive: Why the Glen 1073 SQ HT DB Stands Out
The “Forged Brass” Advantage
This is the single biggest reason to buy the Glen 1073.
- Competitors (Faber/Elica): Use Cast Brass burners. These are molten brass poured into a mold. They are good, but they can develop air pockets and deform (warp) under high heat over 5-7 years.
- Glen: Uses Forged Brass burners.1 These are stamped from a solid block of brass under immense pressure.
- Result: They are 5x stronger, denser, and virtually indestructible.2
- Impact: You get a burner that will never warp, ensuring a steady blue flame for a decade.
The “Double Ring” Flame for Indian Cooking
- Kaff (Tornado): The flame comes out at an angle. It’s efficient but focuses heat in the center, which can burn the center of a tawa while leaving edges cool.
- Glen (Double Ring): The burner has two distinct rings of flame.3 This provides a wider heat distribution, crucial for cooking rotis or dosas evenly without hot spots.
The “No Sim-Off” Safety Feature
A common annoyance with budget hobs is that when you turn the knob to “Sim” (lowest setting), the flame often flickers and dies, causing a gas leak. Glen’s Italian valves are calibrated with a “No Sim-Off” feature, ensuring the flame stays alive even at the lowest setting.4
3. Competitor Analysis: Where They Win & Lose
Faber Hob/Hobtop 3 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT603 CRS BR CI AI) Black
Original price was: ₹21,250.00.₹15,977.00Current price is: ₹15,977.00. -25%- 3 Brass Burner with Black Enameled …
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VS. Faber Maxus HT603
- Where Faber Wins: Warranty. Faber offers a 5-Year Warranty on the Valve (in addition to Glass).5 Since gas valves are expensive to replace (~₹2,500), this is a massive value-add that Glen lacks (Glen’s standard warranty is 2 years on product).
- Where Faber Loses: User Reports. Recent user feedback mentions “play” (wobble) in the pipes under the burner and occasional auto-ignition failures. The build feels slightly less “tank-like” than the Glen.
- Built-in Hob: Its fixed to …
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VS. Elica Flexi Swirl 3B
- Where Elica Wins: Installation. The “Flexi” design allows the hob to fit into a wider range of granite cutout sizes. If you are replacing an old hob and don’t want to cut your granite, Elica is the safest bet.
- Where Elica Loses: Service Reputation. While the product specs are great, online forums and review platforms often cite poor after-sales service response times compared to Glen’s reliable network.
KAFF CRH603 60 cm Built-in Gas Hob | 3 Tornado Burners (1 Triple + 2 Dual Ring) | Auto Electric Ignition | 8 mm Tempered Glass | Metal Knobs |…
Original price was: ₹19,490.00.₹16,214.00Current price is: ₹16,214.00. -17%
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VS. Kaff CRH 603
- Where Kaff Wins: Style. The black-coated burners and “Tornado” flame look incredibly modern. It is arguably the best-looking hob of the bunch.
- Where Kaff Loses: Maintenance. Coated burners can peel or discolor over time if scrubbed with harsh steel wool. Glen’s raw forged brass gold finish maintains its look simply because it’s solid metal, not a coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These detailed answers address high-intent queries regarding installation, safety, and maintenance.
Q1. What is the actual difference between “Forged Brass” (Glen) and “Cast Brass” (Competitors)?
A. The difference lies in the manufacturing process and longevity.
- Cast Brass is molten metal poured into a mold. It can have microscopic air bubbles and is softer. Over years of high heat, it can warp, leading to uneven flames.
- Forged Brass (used in the Glen 1073) is a solid block of brass stamped under immense pressure. It is 5x stronger, has zero porosity (no air bubbles), and is highly resistant to heat deformation. It is essentially commercial-grade material used in a domestic hob.
Q2. Is this a “Hob” or a “Gas Stove”? Do I need to cut my kitchen slab?
A. The Glen 1073 SQ HT DB is a Hybrid Hobtop. This gives you two installation options:
- Built-In Hob: You can remove the rubber legs and drop it into a specific cutout (approx. 685 x 390 mm) in your granite for a seamless, flush look.
- Free-Standing Cooktop: It comes with sturdy rubber legs/feet pre-installed. You can simply place it on top of your existing counter like a traditional gas stove with zero cutting required.
Q3. Does the Glen 1073 have a Flame Failure Device (FFD)?
A. No, the standard model (1073 SQ HT DB) typically does not include FFD. It features a “No Sim-Off” safety valve, which ensures the flame does not accidentally die when turned to the lowest (Sim) setting, preventing gas leaks from unstable low flames. However, it does not have the automated sensor to cut off gas if the wind blows the flame out. If FFD is your #1 priority, you will need to look for the specific “FFD” variant or models like the Glen 1074 FFD.
Q4. Can I use this hob with Piped Natural Gas (PNG) or is it LPG only?
A. The hob comes from the factory jetted for LPG (Cylinders). It is fully compatible with PNG (Gas Pipeline), but you must not connect it directly. You need to contact Glen Customer Care to request a technician. They will replace the internal brass jets (nozzles) with PNG-specific ones. This is usually a paid service (approx. ₹300-₹500) to ensure safety and the correct blue flame.
Q5. How often do I need to change the Auto-Ignition battery?
A. The hob uses a DC 1.5V (Size D) battery, usually located in a compartment under the hob. With average daily use, the battery typically lasts 6 to 12 months. If you hear a slow ticking sound or no spark, it’s time to replace the battery. You can do this yourself easily without a technician.
Q6. Are the Vitreous Enameled pan supports better than standard Cast Iron?
A. Yes. Standard cast iron is durable but porous, meaning it can rust if water sits on it, and oil can be hard to scrub off. Vitreous Enamel is a glass-based coating fused to the cast iron at high temperatures. This makes the supports rust-resistant, smoother, and significantly easier to clean (dishwasher safe in many cases) while retaining the heavy-duty stability of iron.
Q7. Why does the Glen 1073 offer a 5-Year Warranty on Glass? Is it unbreakable?
A. No glass is unbreakable. However, Glen uses 8mm thick toughened glass (vs. the standard 6mm or 7mm). The 5-Year Warranty is a testament to its thermal resistance. It covers you if the glass shatters due to thermal shock or manufacturing defects. Note: You usually need to register your product on the Glen website within 30 days of purchase to activate this extended glass warranty.
Final Verdict: Which 3-Burner Hob is the Right Investment?
After analyzing the build materials, burner engineering, and long-term warranty value, here is our definitive expert recommendation based on specific user needs.
🏆 The Overall Champion: Glen 1073 SQ HT DB (The “Heavy-Duty” Pick)
Recommendation: BUY THIS. Best For: Large families, “Joint Families,” and home chefs who cook heavy meals (Roti/Chapati, heavy Curries, Deep Frying) daily.
- Why it Wins: It is the only hob in this comparison using Forged Brass Burners. In the world of metallurgy, forged is significantly denser and stronger than cast. This means while competitors’ burners might warp or deform after 5 years of high-heat heavy cooking, the Glen burners will remain flat and efficient for a decade.
- The “2 Big Burner” Advantage: Unlike most 3-burner hobs that give you only one big burner, Glen gives you two. This is a massive practical advantage for Indian cooking, allowing you to have a pressure cooker on one side and a heavy kadhai on the other simultaneously.
- The Trade-off: It lacks the 5-year valve warranty that Faber offers, but the superior burner quality outweighs this for cooking performance.
🥈 The “Financial Safety” Runner-Up: Faber Maxus HT603
Recommendation: Strong Alternative. Best For: Buyers who prioritize low maintenance costs and extensive warranty coverage over raw burner strength.
- Why it’s a Strong Contender: Faber matches Glen on the 5-Year Glass Warranty but goes a step further by offering a 5-Year Warranty on the Gas Valves. Since valve replacement is one of the most common and expensive out-of-warranty repairs (costing ₹1,500+), this offers incredible long-term peace of mind.
- The Trade-off: You get standard Cast Brass burners, which are excellent but not as indestructible as Glen’s Forged Brass.
🥉 The “Renovator’s Choice”: Elica Flexi Swirl 3B
Recommendation: Buy only if replacing an old hob. Best For: Homeowners upgrading an existing kitchen who want to avoid the dust and hassle of cutting granite.
- Why it’s Unique: The “Flexi” design allows the burner assembly to fit into a wider range of existing countertop cutouts. If you already have a hole in your granite slab and don’t want to hire a stone cutter to resize it, this is the hassle-free solution.
- The Trade-off: Service response times for Elica can vary by region compared to Glen’s consistent network.
Faber Hob/Hobtop 3 Brass Burner Auto Electric Ignition Glass Top (Maxus HT603 CRS BR CI AI) Black
Glen 3 Burner Built in Glass Gas Hob Top with Italian Double Ring Burners, Auto Ignition, Black (1073 SQ HT in TR)
Elica Hob 3 Burner Auto Ignition Glass Top - 2 SWIRL Burner and 1 Dual Brass Burner (PRO MFC 3B 70 DX SWIRL)
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