Leave a Pot on the Hob
The recipe of Nigella often suggests that you "leave pans on the stove", but what does that actually mean? A hob is the British term for cooktop or stove top and could be gas or electric.
Dual fuel cookers come with a gas hob and an electric oven giving you the best of both worlds. They are quick to heat, but can be more expensive to operate than single fuel models.
Solid plate hobs
Solid plate hobs have been a staple of many homes for years. Their simple design consists of flat metal plates that heat up with electricity, making them a cost-effective choice for those on a budget. Their low initial cost can lead to higher energy bills over time because of their inefficient use. These stoves require a great deal of heat in the residual and take longer to cool down or heat down.
The ceramic hob is an alternative to solid-plate hobs. It's more expensive initially however, it is much less expensive in the long run. Hobs made of ceramic come in different styles, including flat and curvy. They can be paired with ovens of various sizes and shapes to match any kitchen layout. Furthermore, they're easy to clean and blend well into most modern homes.
The next step up is the induction hob, that makes use of electromagnetic fields to heat your cookware directly. The surface of the hob remains cool, which decreases the risk of burns. It is also safer for children to use it. Hobs that are induction also heat up and cool off the fastest.
When deciding which type of hob to buy it is important to think about your cooking habits and energy requirements. Solid plate hobs are affordable, but they're not efficient. Ceramic and gas hobs, on the other on the other hand, are more expensive but are more efficient. Induction hobs can be a good alternative, as they blend the efficiency of a gas hob with a fashionable look.
Gas hobs
The top gas hobs are simple to use, have a sleek and elegant appearance, and are made from sturdy materials. They should come with a solid guarantee and be easy-to-clean. Additionally, they should be compatible with a wide selection of cookware, and provide instant heat control.
Gas hobs operate by connecting each burner to a gas source, which then ignites the fuel and produces an flame. The flame is able to heat the pan as well as the air to allow for precise temperature control. Some models include a visual flame indicator, making it easy to know when the burners are turned on or off in glance. Other features that are available on gas hobs include numerous burners in various sizes, automatic ignition and a removable drip tray.
Modern gas hobs often have ceramic or stainless steel top, with some having a sleek black finish. Depending on the design of your kitchen it is also an option of selecting vented or open-burner gas stoves. Hobs with vented vents come with an extractor that collects steam and smoke from cooking pans and releases them outside, while open-burner gas hobs do not.
Open-burner hobs are classic in their appearance with a knobs and grates made of metal and vented hobs are more modern with a glass-like surface that is flat. Some models have an extra-wide pan supports, which are great for large pots and pans.
Despite the increasing popularity of electric hobs such as ceramic and induction hobs however, there is an enormous customer base for gas hobs. This is partly due to consumer preferences and the popularity of gas cooking. However, a number of government regulations are promoting the elimination of appliances that use fossil fuels in favour of energy-efficient alternatives.
All gas-powered hobs require electrical components in order to function, therefore it is essential to have your gas hob installed by a skilled electrician and carpenter who will ensure all installations are safe and meet industry standards. The electrician you choose to work with will run a power cable as well as gas lines into your kitchen, if you're installing a new gas stove. In most instances, this is a simple task and won't alter your existing electrical or plumbing connections.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs are elegant and attractive appearance, are easy to maintain and are more efficient than gas. They operate by using high-powered heating elements underneath the surface of each zone. These then transmit the heat from the glass to the pan that is above. This reduces energy wastage as it only directly heats the pan and not the air surrounding it. They are also easy to regulate and respond quickly to temperature changes.
Ceramic hobs have a flat ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp cloth once they cool. Be aware that they're not suitable for a humid or hot kitchen because the glass will crack and become discolored.
Most people aren't bothered by the fact that ceramic hobs generate a certain amount heat beneath the surface. Most models are equipped with cooling fans that control the heat below the surface and prevent it from affecting kitchens or workspaces. They are also insulated to reduce heat transfer from your hob to your kitchen.
Ceramic hobs can also be more versatile than induction hobs, which require certain types of magnetically conductor cookware. Cast iron cookware shouldn't be used on a ceramic stove because it could scratch the surface.
A lot of ceramic hobs come with safety features such as residual heat indicators as well as a lockout function to reduce the risk of accidents at home. Some ceramic hobs have an overflow prevention feature' that detects when a pot boils over and automatically cuts the power to the area it is located to minimize the risk of damage. As with electric cookers in general it is essential to ensure that a ceramic hob is correctly installed and configured with the correct breakers and cables to ensure complete security. It's best to leave this to a qualified electrical engineer, so that you can be certain that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.
Hobs with induction
Like their name suggests, induction hobs have coils under the surface that produce magnetic fields that generate heat within the pan or any metal objects that are placed on them. They consume less power than other kinds of electric hobs due to the fact that they are cold until a pan is placed set on them, and they are more efficient in heating up a pan because the heat generated is generated from the bottom of the pan rather than the whole cooktop surface.
Induction models are similar to gas hobs because they feature an control panel where you can select your settings and see how much power is used. However, unlike traditional gas hobs they can only be used with cookware that is compatible with their heating mechanism using electromagnetic energy that means it must have a flat, even thick base made from ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Some non-stick and stainless steel pans also work. However, always check the label to confirm that the cookware you use is compatible with induction.
A popular choice for shared student halls as well as penthouses of iQ Student Accommodation, induction hobs have sleek LCD displays and contemporary aesthetics that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. They're safer than traditional gas hobs because they only start heating when a pan is placed on them. They turn off automatically when the pan is removed.
Induction hobs can operate in the same manner as an iPhone by tapping the touch slider setting your preferred heat level. There are also usually up and down arrows on the control panel, which allow you to adjust the power level, or use a dial to precisely control the temperature.
Some models come with a dual flex-zone, which allows you join two zones to create a larger surface to cook larger saucepans. Some get more info models have automatic shut-off, an indicator for residual heat and a timer to alert you when your food is ready. Induction hobs all emit low-level magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz band that can affect certain medical devices, like pacemakers, so it's important to keep them from your body when they are not operating.