A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is a kitchen appliance that is inserted into the worktop's cutout. It can be electric or gas and can have one to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance.
Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also want to cut down on energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs that are sleek and efficient, are a popular option for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to warm cookware employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current runs through. When a suitable pan is placed in the cooking area, the coils automatically create an electric field that interacts with the metal in the pan, causing electrical currents and creating heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and are easier to clean.
Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob with a clear indication of what cookware is being used and the power setting being selected. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and many induction hobs have a boost function that increases the effectiveness of a cooking zone for a short period of time to bring a pot of boiling water to cook in a pan to searing.
A lot of induction hobs feature an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are available in different colours to complement the decor of your kitchen. They also come with simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to show power levels or other functions.
In order to get the most from your induction hob you will require 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 systems to avoid overusing energy. The coils are only activated when the pan or pans are in use.
Induction hobs are a great choice for shared housing or student apartments because they don't feature an open flame, and are safer than gas models. They do make a humming or ticking sound when being used, which may be irritating to some.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that cookware is heated which makes it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control, and are quicker to heat up than some electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be a bit messy to clean with the burner caps and wok stands that need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
The majority check here of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or continuous electric flame to light the burners and start the combustion process. They then make use of electrical components, such as switches and sensors to regulate the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners are operating correctly. The burners can also include various control knobs that can be adjusted to alter the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.
Depending on the model you choose, gas hobs come with anywhere from one to 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 to accommodate the cookware you plan to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer then choose a model that comes with a separate wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements built in to prepare an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
A major consideration when choosing gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However operating costs can be different depending on the local gas rates and the usage. It's also worth bearing in that a gas-powered hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which can increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances in one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They extract smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the stove's surface and allow for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.
Portable hobs
If you're looking for more hob space in your kitchen or you want to take your cooking outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a great option. These are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're simple to use and take with you when you have to cook in another location. They can also be useful if you're renovating your kitchen or simply require more space on the hob to accommodate busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both home and professional kitchens due to their speed and safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil with an electric current flowing through it, which warms the pan you place on top. This means that there isn't any wasted heat' as with an electric or gas hob that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling hob features two cooking zones, as well as the double ring design can be used with various pots and saucepans. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the capability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among test subjects. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to come to a boil, which can be frustrating for people in a hurry.
If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth having a look. It's light and thin - 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 expensive and is easier to clean than other hobs with a more shiny finish.
These hobs may be a great smaller alternative to larger ones, but they are still hot and could cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob carefully and place it in a secure location away from the reach of children and away from areas where people might trip over it. Many models also have locks for children, which is a useful feature to think about if you have kids.