A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance that fits inside the worktop's cutout. It can be electric or gas and may have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has a modern design.
Smart hobs that can be customized and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also seek to improve hygiene and decrease energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs are sleek and efficient. hobs are among the most popular choices for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current flows through. When a suitable pot is placed on the cooking area the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal inside the pot, creating electric currents and heat. This makes induction hobs energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hob types.
Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance is a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use and the power setting that you have selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pushing and many induction hobs include an increase function that boosts the potential of the cooking zone for a brief period of time to bring an entire pot of water to the boil or prepare a pan for searing.
A majority of induction hobs are not frameless, with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colors to match your kitchen decor. These units also have minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.
To get the most benefit of an induction hob, you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. If you want to know if a pan will work on an induction stove, simply run an iron over the base of the pan. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. A majority of induction hobs come with pan detection to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when an appropriate pan or pans are present.
Induction hobs are a great choice for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame, and are more secure than gas versions. They can produce a humming sound or ticking sound when they are being used, which may be annoying to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas stove uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that cookware is heated, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are precise in temperature control and are faster to heat up than other electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be a bit dirty to clean with the burner caps and wok stand needing to be removed regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.
The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or continuous electric flame to light the burners and begin the combustion process. They use electrical components, like sensors and switches, to control the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners are operating properly. They could also have various control knobs for adjusting the intensity of the flame and the output of heat.
Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs can come with anywhere between one and six burners. Take into account the size of your pots when choosing this number, since you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer then choose a model that comes with a separate wok burn. Some models also come with griddle elements built in to cook up tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.
The cost of operating a gas stove should be a key factor when deciding on one. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs, but operating costs can vary widely dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could lead to higher installation costs than an induction or electric hob.
Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances into one, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more sleek look. They extract steam and smoke through a duct that is located on the hob's surface, allowing them to work much more efficiently than traditional hoods as they're able to capture steam at the level of cooking rather than permitting it to rise and escape into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
A portable hob is a great option if you need more space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug into, so they're simple to use and carry with you when you have to cook somewhere else. These are also useful for those who want to revamp your kitchen, or simply want more hob space in busy times.
Induction hobs are getting more popular in both residential and commercial kitchens due to their speed safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil, which then heats the pan you place on the top. There isn't any wasted heat like there is with a gas hob or electric hob. This can help you save money.
This Belling hob has two cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can be used with many different pots and saucepans. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the ability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among test subjects. The only downside was that it took over 12 minutes to boil 1 litre of water which could be a problem for those who are time-pressed.
This model from Smeg is a good choice for those looking for a compact model. It's thin and light - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list - which makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more professional and is much more easy to clean than hobs that have a more polished finish.
These hobs may be a practical smaller alternative to full-sized versions however they are hot and could cause serious burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where people could trip over it. Most models also have a child lock which is a helpful feature to think about if you have kids.