A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is a kitchen appliance that is fitted into an opening in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and come with up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has modern appearance.

Consumers are interested in smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer different options for customization. They also want to cut down on the amount of energy used and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs which are sleek and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs oven, unlike gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to warm cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are used to create an alternation current. When a pan that is compatible is placed in the cooking area, the coils automatically create an electric field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, causing electrical currents and creating heat. This process makes induction hobs much more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob, with an easy-to-read display of what cooking equipment is in use and what power setting is being used. The control panel can be secured to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs uk feature a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking area for a brief period of time. This is useful for quickly bringing a pot of boiling water to a boil or heating a pan to sear.

Many induction hobs have frames that are not visible, and the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They typically come in black, but some have other colour options that can be matched to your kitchen's decor. They also often have minimalist, sleek controls that have indicator lights to indicate power levels and other functions.

To maximize the benefits of your induction cooktop, you'll require cookware that is compatible with induction. The best hob way to check whether a pot is compatible is to place an iron rod across its base. If the magnet stays it's safe for use it on an induction cooker. Many induction hobs feature a pan detection system to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when an appropriate pan or pans are available.

Induction hobs can be a great choice for shared housing or student apartments, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. They can make a humming noise or ticking sound when in use, which can be a nuisance for some.

Gas hobs

A gas hob uses natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware, making it ideal for a variety of cooking methods. They are more efficient in heating up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean with the burner caps and wok stands that need to be removed regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or a continuous flame to start the burners and initiate the combustion process. They then make use of electrical components, including switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners are working properly. The burners can also include numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.

Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs include anything from one to six burners. Be aware of the dimensions of your pans when deciding the number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate the cookware you plan to use. If you frequently stir-fry, opt for an appliance with a wok burner. Some models have griddle elements included, which means you can cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

A major consideration when choosing a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs typically come with lower initial costs than induction hobs, but operating costs can differ greatly according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require a natural gas supply, and ventilation. This could result in higher costs for installation than an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances into one which saves space while giving your kitchen a more sleek appearance. They remove steam and smoke through a duct located on the surface of the stove, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is a great option if you need more space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also bring them with you if you need to cook elsewhere. These are also useful if you need to renovate your kitchen, or if you just want to have more space on your hob during busy times.

Induction hobs are getting more popular in both professional and home kitchens due to their speed, safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electric current flowing through it, which is heated by the pan you place on top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with an electric or gas hob which helps reduce your expenses.

This Belling hob features dual cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with a variety of saucepans and pots. Its intuitive interface and good heat distribution make it an absolute hit with testers, who even found the ability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones useful. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to come to a boil, which can be frustrating for those in a hurry.

If you're looking for a more compact model this model from Smeg might be worth a look. It is light and thin and is less than half the size of 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 clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.

These hobs could be a practical, smaller alternative to the larger ones however they are hot and could cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob carefully and place it in a safe place far from children's reach and from areas where people might trip over it. Many models have a child-lock which is useful for parents with children.