A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance that fits inside the cutout of a worktop. It can be electric or gas, and come with up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.
The market is flooded with smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also want to lower the amount of energy used and improve hygiene.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs which are stylish and efficient, are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils which an alternating current flows through. When a compatible pan is placed in the cooking zone the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, generating electrical currents and creating heat. This process makes induction hobs more efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hobs.
Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. The top of the appliance features a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays what cookware is currently in use and the power setting you have selected. The control panel can also be secured to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs feature a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking area for a brief period of time. This feature is helpful for quickly bringing the water in a pot to a boil or heating a pan to sear.
A lot of induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface that is seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They usually come in black, but some have other colour options that can complement your kitchen decor. They also come with 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 interested in knowing whether a pan is compatible on an induction stove, run an iron over its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it's compatible. To avoid overusing energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is in place.
Induction hobs can be a great choice for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. They can produce a humming sound or ticking sound when they are being used, which may be annoying to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses 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 are precise in temperature control and are faster to heat up than other 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.
Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. Then, they employ electrical components such as sensors and switches to control the gas flow through the system and make sure that the burners work properly. The burners could also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.
Depending on the model you choose, gas hobs can come with anywhere from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when deciding the number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you frequently stir-fry, choose a model with a wok burn. Some models also come with griddle elements that are built-in which means you can cook up an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
The cost of operating a gas hob should be a major consideration when choosing one. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs. However, the operating cost can be a bit different dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. It's important to keep in that a gas-powered hob requires natural gas supplies and ventilation, which could increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are an excellent way to combine two appliances into one unit, saving space in your kitchen and creating a sleeker aesthetic. They remove steam and smoke through a duct on the surface of the stove, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.
Portable hobs
If you require more hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outside an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a good option. They are designed to connect to your kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also carry them with you if you need to cook elsewhere. They are also helpful if you need to renovate your kitchen or simply want more hob space in busy times.
Induction hobs are getting more popular in both home and professional kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy 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 that there isn't any wasted heat' like an electric or gas hob that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling hob features dual cooking zones and a double rings, which means it can be used for a range of pots and pans. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution mean it was a favourite among testers, who even found the ability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones helpful. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to boil, which can be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.
If you're looking to find a more compact option, this Smeg model might be worth having a take a look. It is light and thin, less than half the size of some of the other models on our list. This makes website it simple to put away when not in use. The brushed finish appears more expensive and is more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.
It's important to keep in mind that while these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones but they're still extremely hot and could cause burns. This is why we recommend cautious handling and careful placement, with the plug away from children and away from areas where someone could slip over it. Many models have a child-lock, which can be useful for parents with children.