A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance that is inserted into the cutouts of a worktop. It can be gas or electric and come with up to six cooking rings. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.

Smart hobs that can be customized and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also want to reduce the use of energy and improve hygiene.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs which are elegant and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to warm cookware directly employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath https://dibblecousin7.bravejournal.net/the-greatest-sources-of-inspiration-of-best-oven -ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current runs through. When a compatible pot is placed on the cooking area the coils create magnetic forces that interact with metal in the pot, creating electrical currents as well as heat. This process makes induction hobs much more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs also have a more user-friendly design. The top of the appliance has an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently being used, and the power setting that you have selected. The control panel can be locked to avoid accidental button pushing and many induction hobs have a boost function that increases the power of a cooking zone for a short time period to bring a pot of boiling water to heat a pan for searing.

Many induction hobs have a frameless design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They are usually black, but some have other colors that complement your kitchen decor. They also often have minimalist, sleek controls with indicators lights to show power levels and other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction hob you'll need to invest in induction-compatible cookware. If you're trying to determine whether a particular pan can work on an induction stove, simply run a magnet across its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. Many induction hobs feature pan detection systems to avoid overusing energy. The coils are only activated when a suitable pan or pans are in use.

Induction hobs are ideal for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. They can make a humming noise or ticking sound when they are being used, which may be irritating to some.

Gas hobs

A gas hob makes use of natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware which makes it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. They offer precise temperature control and are quicker to heat up than other electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be dirty to clean with the burner caps and wok stand needing to be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is clean.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They use electrical components, including switches and sensors, to control the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners work properly. They could also have various control knobs that can be used to alter the intensity of the flame as well as heat output.



Based on the model you choose, gas hobs can have anywhere from one to six burners. When choosing the number of burners, take into account the dimensions of the pans you will be using. You'll need to make sure there is enough space for the cookware you'll be using. If you often do stir-frys choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements that are built-in, so you can cook up an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.

A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs generally come with lower initial costs than induction hobs, however the operating cost can be a bit different according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could lead to higher costs for installation than an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs are a great way to combine two appliances into a single unit, saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They extract smoke and steam through a duct on the stove's surface and allow for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is an excellent option if you're looking to increase the space in your kitchen or wish to cook outdoors. These are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're a breeze to use and carry with you when you want to cook in another location. They are also helpful if you need to renovate your kitchen or need more space for your hob in busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both professional and home kitchens due to their speed safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current that runs through a magnetic coil which then heats the pan you place on top. There is no wasted heat like there would be with a gas hob or electric hob. This will save you money.

This Belling hob has two cooking zones, the double ring design can be used with various pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution and the ability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among testers. The only drawback is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to come to a boil, which can be a hassle for those in a hurry.

This Smeg model is a good choice for those looking for a compact option. It is light and thin, less than half the size of some of the other models on our list. This makes it easy to keep in storage when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears elegant and is easier to clean than the more shiny finishes found on other hobs.

It's important to keep in mind that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones however, they're still hot and can cause burns. We recommend that you handle the hob carefully and place it in a safe place away from children's reach, and away from areas where someone could fall over it. Many models have a child-lock that can be an excellent feature when you have children.