A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance for kitchens that fits into a cutout in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and may have up 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 appealing to consumers. They also want to cut down on energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Induction hobs
Modern and efficient, induction hobs are among the most popular choices for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, as opposed to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plates to warm cookware employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a pan that is compatible is placed in the cooking zone the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, inducing electrical currents, and producing heat. This process makes induction hobs efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hobs.
Induction hobs also come with a more user-friendly design. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob, with an obvious indication of which cooking equipment is in use and what power setting is being selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs come with a boost function that maximises the power of a cooking zone for a brief period of time to bring an entire pot of boiling water to prepare a pan for searing.
Many induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface that is seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They are usually black, but some have different colors that complement your kitchen decor. They also come with minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators that show the power level or other functions.
To maximize the performance of your induction hob you will need to use induction-compatible cookware. If you want to know if a pan will work on an induction stove, place a magnet across the base of the pan. If the magnet adheres to it, then it is compatible. To prevent over-use of energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is present.
Induction hobs are an excellent option for shared homes or student accommodation as they don't have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas versions. However, here. do make an eerie ticking or humming sound during operation that can disturb certain people.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs make use of natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control and are also quicker to heat up than some electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be a messy process. Burner caps and wok stands must be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. Then, they use electrical components like switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners function correctly. The burners could also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.
Based on the model you choose, gas hobs can include anything from one to six burners. Be aware of the size of your pans when deciding this number, as you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys, opt for one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models also have grilling elements which means you can cook up a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.
A major consideration when choosing a gas hob is the cost of running it. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However operating costs can be very different depending on local gas rates and use. Gas hobs require a 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 combination of two appliances into one, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They remove steam and smoke through a duct that is located on the stove's surface, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.
Portable hobs
Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen, or you want to cook outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a good option. They're designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're simple to use and can be carried with you when you have to cook somewhere else. They are also useful if you're renovating your kitchen or simply require an extra space on your hob for busy times.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular, both in kitchens that are used for professional or home use because they are fast, safe, efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electrical current running through it, which warms the pan you place on top. This means there's no wasted heat' as with a gas or electric hob that can help keep your bills down.
This Belling hob comes with two cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with various pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, great heat distribution and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among test subjects. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be frustrating for people needing to rush.
If you're looking for a compact model this model from Smeg might be worth having a look. It's thin and light - less than half the size of the other models on this list, making it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed finish looks more premium and is more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.
It's important to note that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones but they're still extremely hot and could cause burns. It is recommended that you handle the hob with care and keep it in a safe place away from children's reach and from areas where people might slip on it. Most models also have a child lock which is a helpful feature to think about if you have kids.