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 could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.
Consumers are looking for smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and offer different options for customization. They also seek to improve hygiene and decrease energy consumption.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs which are stylish and efficient are a popular option for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models that 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 that an alternating current runs through. When a suitable pan is placed on the cooking area the coils generate magnetic fields that interact with the metal in the pan, inducing electrical currents, and producing heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and are easier to clean.
Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. A full TFT display on the top of the appliance could be used to control the oven, with a clear indication of what cookware is in use and what power setting is being used. The control panel can also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. A majority of induction hobs come with a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking area for a brief period of time. This is useful to speedily bring boiling water to a boil or heating the pan to cook.
Many induction hobs come with a frameless design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They usually come in black, but some have other colour options that can be matched to your kitchen's decor. They also often have sleek, minimalist controls with indicator lights that indicate the level of power and other functions.
To maximize the benefits of your induction hob you will require induction-compatible cookware. If you're interested in knowing if a pan will work on an induction stove, run an iron over its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it's compatible. To prevent over-use of energy Induction hobs often have pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is available.
Induction hobs are an excellent choice for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. However, they do produce the sound of ticking or humming during operation that can disturb some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. They are precise in temperature control, and are quicker to heat up than electric alternatives like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stand must be cleaned 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 ignite the burners and start the process of combustion. Then, they use electrical components, such as sensors and switches to regulate the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners function properly. The burners may also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output.
Depending on the model that you select, gas hobs come with anywhere from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pots when choosing this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements built in, so you can make best oven an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs typically come with lower initial costs than induction hobs. However, operating costs can vary widely dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. It is important to keep in mind that a gas hob requires natural gas 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 sleeker look. They pull smoke and steam through a duct in the surface of the hob, allowing them to work more efficient than traditional hoods because they are able to collect 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 you want to take your cooking outdoors, a portable hob can be a great option. 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 elsewhere. They can also be useful when you're remodeling your kitchen or just need an extra space on your hob to accommodate busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both professional and home kitchens as they're quick, safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil which then heats the pan that you place on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' like with a gas or electric hob that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling hob features dual cooking zones, a double ring design and can 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 favored among test subjects. The only drawback is that it takes over 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to reach a boil, which could be frustrating 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. This makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed silver finish looks premium and is a little more easy to clean than the more shiny finishes found on other hobs.
These hobs could be a practical, smaller alternative to the full-sized versions, but they are still hot and could cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob carefully and place it in a secure location far from the reach of children and away from places where people could slip on it. Many models also have an option for children's locks which is a helpful feature to think about for parents with children.