A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance that fits into the cutouts of a worktop. It can be either gas or electric and include up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has a modern design.
hobs and ovens are looking for smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and provide different options for customization. They also want to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs that are sleek and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware directly, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are 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 in the pot, creating electrical currents and heat. This process makes induction hobs much more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hob types.
Induction hobs also feature a more user-friendly design. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the appliance can be used to control the oven, with a clear indication of what cooking equipment is in use and the power setting being used. The control panel may also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. A majority of induction hobs come with a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking zone for a brief period of time. This is useful to speedily bring boiling water to a boil, or heating the pan to cook.
A majority of induction hobs are not frameless, with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. They are usually black, however some come with other colour options that can match your kitchen decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls that have indicators lights to show the level of power and other functions.
To get the most benefit of an induction cooker you'll need to invest in induction-compatible cookware. If you want to know if a pan will work on an induction stove, run a magnet across its base. If the magnet adheres to it, then it's compatible. To prevent over-use of energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.
Induction hobs are ideal for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. However, they can produce the sound of ticking or humming during operation that can disturb certain people.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs make use of natural gas or propane gas that has been liquefied to heat your cookware. They are ideal for many cooking techniques. They are more efficient in heating up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stand must be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
Modern gas hobs typically use electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to light the burners and start the combustion process. Then, they employ electrical components, such as switches and sensors to control the gas flow through the system and make sure that the burners operate correctly. They could also have various control knobs for adjusting the intensity of the flame as well as heat output.
Gas hobs come in various models, ranging from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when deciding this number, since you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners for all the cookware you plan to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer, choose a model with a wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements that are built-in to prepare an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, but operating costs can differ greatly depending on your 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 electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances into one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a sleeker look. They draw steam and smoke through a duct located on the stove's surface which allows for 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 outside. They are designed to connect to the kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also carry them with you if you need to cook somewhere else. They're also great when you're planning to remodel your kitchen or just want to have more space on your hob in busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both professional and home kitchens, because they are quick, safe, efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current that runs through a magnetic coil which warms the pan that you place on the top. There is no wasted heat, as it would be with a gas or electric hob. This will save you money.
This Belling hob features dual cooking zones and a double rings that can be used with various pans and pots. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution mean it was an absolute hit with testers, who appreciated the ability to change the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to reach a boil, which could be frustrating for people needing to rush.
If you're looking for a compact model the Smeg model could be worth a glance. It's light and thin - less than half the size of the other models on this list, making it easy to store away when not in use. The brushed finish appears more professional and is much more easy to clean than hobs that have a more polished finish.
It's important to remember that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones but they're still extremely hot and can cause burns. We recommend that you handle the hob with care and put it in a secure location far from children's reach and from areas where people might fall over it. Many models also have a child lock which is a helpful feature to think about when you have children.