A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is a kitchen appliance that fits into a cutout in the worktop. It can be electric or gas and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.
Consumers are interested in smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Hobs with induction
Modern and efficient, induction hobs are among the most popular options for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, as opposed to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to warm cookware employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are used to run an alternating current. 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. best hob makes induction hobs more efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hobs.
Induction hobs also feature an easier-to-use design. A full TFT display on the top of the appliance could be used to control the oven, with a clear indication of what cooking equipment is in use and what power setting is being selected. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and many induction hobs come with an increase function that boosts the power of a cooking zone for a brief period of time to quickly bring a pot of boiling water to a boil or cook in a pan to searing.
A lot of induction hobs feature a frameless design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly incorporated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in other colours to match the decor of your kitchen. These units also come with simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to show power levels or other functions.
To get the most out of an induction cooktop it is necessary to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. The best way to check whether a pan is compatible is to run an iron rod across its base. If the magnet sticks it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. A majority of induction hobs come with pan detection to avoid overusing energy. The coils will only be activated when the pan or pans are present.
Induction hobs can be ideal 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 they are being used, which may be annoying to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that cookware is heated, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control and are also more efficient in heating than some electric alternatives, such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be dirty to clean with the burner caps and wok stands needing to be cleaned regularly to make sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and start the combustion process. Then, they use electrical components, such as sensors and switches to control the gas flow through the system and make sure that the burners operate correctly. The burners may also have several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.
Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs can come with anywhere between one and six burners. Take into account the dimensions of your pans when deciding this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys choose one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models also come with grilling elements to make an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
The cost of operating a gas hob should be a key factor when choosing one. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be very different depending on local gas rates and the usage. Gas hobs require natural gas supply and ventilation. This could result in higher installation costs than an induction or electric hob.
Vented hobs are a great way to combine two appliances into a single unit, saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct on the surface of the hob and work more efficient than traditional hoods because they are able to collect steam at the cooking level rather than let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
If you require more hob space in your kitchen or you want to cook outside an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a great choice. They are designed to connect to the kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also carry them with you when you need to cook in a different location. They're also great if you need to renovate your kitchen or need more space for your hob during busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both professional and home kitchens as they're quick and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current that runs through a magnetic coil which heats up the pan you put on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with an electric or gas hob that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling hob has dual cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can be used with various pans and pots. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution mean it was an absolute hit with testers, who even found the ability to easily change the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only downside is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to reach a boil, which could be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.
If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth a glance. It's lightweight and thin - less than half the size of the other models on this list. This makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more professional and is much easier to clean than other hobs with a more shiny finish.
These hobs can be a convenient smaller alternative to full-sized versions, but they are still hot and can cause serious burns. This is why we suggest careful handling and judicious positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where someone could fall over it. The majority of models also come with an option for children's locks, which is a useful feature to think about for parents with children.