A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is an opening in the worktop. It can be gas or electric, and can include up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.

Smart hobs that can be customized and are compatible with home automation systems are appealing to consumers. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs, which are elegant and efficient, are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike electric and gas models that rely on heating plate to heat cookware directly, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. The glass-ceramic top is where coils are used to create an alternating current. When a suitable pan is placed on the cooking zone the coils create an electric field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, inducing electrical currents and creating heat. This process makes induction hobs more efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hob types.

Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. The top of the appliance is an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently in use, and the power setting you have selected. The control panel may also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs have an increase feature that boosts the power of the cooking area for a short time. This feature is helpful to quickly bring boiling water to a boil or warming the pan to sear.

A majority of induction hobs are not frameless, with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. They typically come in black, however some come with other colour options that can be matched to your kitchen's decor. They also often have sleek, minimalist controls with indicators lights to show power levels and other functions.

To get the most from your induction cooktop, you'll require induction-compatible cookware. The best way to check whether a pan is compatible is to place a magnet across its base; if the magnet is able to stick it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. To avoid overusing energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection systems that only activates the coils if a suitable pan is available.

Induction hobs are a good option for shared homes or student housing because they don't have an open flame. They are also safer than gas versions. However, they do produce the sound of ticking or humming when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to certain people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs utilize natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are perfect for many cooking techniques. They are faster to heat up and offer more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. They can be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands needing to be cleaned frequently to make sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and start 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 are operating properly. The burners may also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.

Depending on the model that you select, gas hobs come with anywhere from one to six burners. Take into account the dimensions of your pans when deciding this number, as you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys choose a model with a dedicated wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements integrated, so you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.

A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost of running it. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, but operating costs can vary widely dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require a natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could result in higher costs for installation than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs combine two appliances in one unit making space for them and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob and work much more efficient than traditional hoods because they're able to capture steam at the level of cooking instead of permitting it to rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

If you're looking for more hob space in your kitchen, or want to take your cooking outdoors the kitchen, a portable hob could be a good option. 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. They also come in handy if you're renovating your kitchen or simply require some extra hob space to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, both in kitchens for both home and professional use because they are fast safe, efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil with an electrical current flowing through it, which best hob then is heated by the pan you place on top. There isn't any wasted heat, as it is with a gas or electric hob. This will help you save money.

This Belling hob features two cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can be used with many different pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, great heat distribution and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among test subjects. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be a hassle for those who are in a hurry.

If you're looking for a compact model, this Smeg model might be worth a take a look. It's lightweight and thin - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list, making it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed silver finish looks like a premium finish and is more easy to clean than the more shiny finishes on other hobs.

These hobs can be a practical smaller alternative to larger ones however, they are hot and can cause serious burns. For this reason, we recommend careful handling and sensible positioning, keeping the plug far away from children and away from areas where people might fall over it. Many models have a child-lock, which can be an excellent feature when you have children.