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 electric or gas and may have up to six cooking rings or zones. It has a modern design and is easy to clean.

The market is flooded with smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and provide customization options. They also want to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.

Induction hobs

Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs use electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are used to create an alternation current. When a compatible pot is placed on the cooking area the coils create a magnetic force that interacts with the metal inside the pot, creating electric currents and heat. This process makes induction hobs efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hob types.

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance has an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently in use, and the power setting that you have chosen. The control panel can be locked to avoid accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs come with an increase function that boosts the potential of the cooking zone for a brief period of time to bring an entire pot of boiling water to cook in a pan to searing.

Many induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They usually come in black, however some come with other colors that be matched to your kitchen's decor. These units also have simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators that show the power level or other functions.

In order to maximize the benefits of your induction hob you will require induction-compatible cookware. If you're trying to determine whether a pan is compatible on an induction stove, place an iron over the base of the pan. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. To ensure that you don't overuse energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is present.

Induction hobs can be an excellent choice for shared housing or student apartments, as they don't have an open flame, and are safer than gas models. However, they can produce the sound of ticking or humming in operation, which may irritate some people.

Gas hobs

A gas hob makes use of natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking methods. They are precise in temperature control, and are faster to heat up than other electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands need to be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is clean.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to light the burners and begin the combustion process. They then use electrical components, such as sensors and switches, to control the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners work correctly. They could also have several control knobs to adjust the flame intensity and heat output.

Gas hobs are available in various models, with a range of one to six burners. Take into account the size of your pans when choosing this number, as 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, choose a model with a wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements included, which means you can cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

The cost of running a gas hob should be a key factor when choosing one. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However operating costs can be different depending on local gas rates and usage. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could result in higher installation costs than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a fantastic option to combine two appliances into one unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen while giving a more sleek appearance. They draw steam and smoke through a duct on the surface of the stove and range allow for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

A portable oven hob is a great option if you need more space in your kitchen or want to cook outdoors. They are designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug in, so they're easy to use and take with you when you have to cook elsewhere. They also come in handy when you're remodeling your kitchen or just need more space on the hob to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are increasingly popular, both in kitchens that are used for professional or home use, because they are quick safe, efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil that has an electric current flowing through it, which then warms the pan you place on top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' like with a gas or electric hob which helps keep your bills down.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones and double rings that can be used to cook a range of pots and pans. Its intuitive interface, great heat distribution and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a popular choice among testers. The only drawback is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to reach a boil, which could be a hassle for Hobs those who are in a hurry.

If you're looking for a more compact option this model from Smeg might be worth taking a glance. It's light and thin with less than half the size as other models on the list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish looks premium and is a little easier to wipe clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.

It's important to note that even though these hobs oven are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones but they're still extremely hot and can cause burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where people could slip over it. Most models also have an option for children's locks which is a helpful feature to think about if you have kids.