A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance that is inserted into the cutout of a worktop. It can be gas or electric and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance.
Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are appealing to consumers. They also seek to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Streamlined and efficient, induction hobs are among the most popular options for modern kitchens. Contrary to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction stoves employ electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current runs through. When a pot that is compatible is placed in the cooking area the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal inside the pot, creating electric currents and heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs, and they are also easier to clean.
Induction hobs also feature an improved user-friendly design. The top of the appliance features a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use, and what power setting you have selected. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs include a boost function that increases the potential of the cooking zone for a short period of time to bring an entire pot of water to the boil or prepare a pan for searing.
Many induction hobs have an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They are usually black, however some come with different colors that match your kitchen decor. They also often have minimalist, sleek controls with indicator lights to indicate power levels and other functions.
To maximize the benefits of your induction cooker, you'll require induction-compatible cookware. If you're interested in knowing whether a pan is compatible on an induction stove, run a magnet across the base of the pan. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. A majority of induction hobs come with pan detection systems to ensure that they don't use too much energy. The coils will only be activated when an appropriate pan or pans are in use.
Induction hobs are ideal for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame, and are safer than gas models. They do make a humming noise or ticking sound when in use, which can be annoying to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques. 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 burner caps and wok stand needing to be cleaned regularly to make sure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.
Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to start the burners and initiate the combustion process. Then, they employ electrical components like sensors and switches to control the gas flow through the system and to make sure that the burners function properly. They could also have various control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and the output of heat.
Gas hobs are available in a variety of models, with a range of one to six burners. When choosing the number of burners, think about the size of the pans that you will be using. You'll have to ensure that there are enough for the cookware you'll be using. If you frequently stir-fry make sure you choose a pan that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models also come with griddle elements that are built-in, so you can prepare an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
The cost of operating a gas stove should be a major consideration when selecting one. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be different depending on the local gas rates and the usage. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas hob requires natural gas supplies and ventilation, which may increase installation costs over 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 look. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob, allowing them to work more efficient than traditional hoods because they're able to capture steam at the level of cooking rather than letting it rise and escape into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen, or want to take your cooking outdoors an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a good option. They're designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug in, so they're simple to use and take with you when you want to cook elsewhere. They are also useful if you're renovating your kitchen or simply need more space on the hob to accommodate busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current which flows through a magnetic coil, which then heats the pan you place on top. There isn't any wasted heat as there would be with a gas hob or electric hob. This can help you save money.
This Belling hob comes with two cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can here be used with various saucepans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution and the ability to change the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among test subjects. The only drawback is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to reach a boil, which could be frustrating for those needing to rush.
If you're looking for a compact model this model from Smeg might be worth a take a look. It's thin and light and is less than half the size of some of the other models on our list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish looks premium and is a little more easy to clean than the more shiny finishes found on other hobs.
It's important to note that while these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and could cause burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible placement, with the plug away from children and away from areas where people could slip over it. Many models also have locks for children that is a great feature to consider if you have kids.