A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance for kitchens that is fitted into a cutout in the worktop. It can be electric or gas and may have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.
Smart hobs that can be customized 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
Induction hobs which are stylish and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to warm cookware, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils which an alternating current flows through. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking area the coils generate an electric field that interacts with the metal within the pan, inducing electrical currents, and producing heat. This process makes induction hobs more efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hob types.
Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance has an all-TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use and the power setting that you have selected. The control panel can also be locked to prevent accidental use of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking area for a brief period of time. This is useful for quickly bringing the water in a pot to a boil or warming a pan to cook.
A lot of induction hobs feature a frameless design, with the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in other colours to match your kitchen's decor. These units also have sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators to show power levels or other functions.
To get the most out of an induction cooker it is necessary to buy cookware that's compatible with induction. If you want to know whether a particular pan can work on an induction stove, simply run an iron over its base. If the magnet adheres 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 because they do not have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. However, they do produce the sound of ticking or humming when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that cookware is heated, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking methods. They are quicker to heat up and offer better temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean with the burner caps and wok stand needing to be removed regularly to ensure that everything is clean.
Modern gas hobs typically use electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to light the burners and start the combustion process. Then, they employ electrical components such as switches and sensors to control the gas flow through the system and to make sure that the burners function properly. The burners can also include several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output.
Depending on the model you choose, gas hobs can include anything between one and six burners. Be aware of the dimensions of best hob your pans when deciding this number, since you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer, choose a model that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements built in which means you can prepare a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs, however operating costs can differ greatly dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require a natural gas supply and ventilation. This could lead to more expensive installation costs than an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a fantastic option to combine two appliances into a single unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They extract smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the stove's surface, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.
Portable hobs
A portable hob is an excellent option if you're looking to increase the space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also bring them with you when you need to cook somewhere else. These are also useful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen or need more space for your hob in busy times.
Induction hobs are getting more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They operate by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil which then heats the pan you put on top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' like an electric or gas hob which helps reduce your costs.
This Belling hob features two cooking zones as well as a double ring design so can be used for a range of pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a popular choice among testers. The only drawback is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be a hassle for those in a hurry.
If you're looking for a compact option this model from Smeg might be worth taking a take a look. It's light and thin and is less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. Its brushed finish looks more premium and is easier to clean than other hobs with a shiny finish.
It's important to keep in mind that while these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and can cause burns. We recommend cautious handling and careful positioning, keeping the plug far away from children and away from areas where people might trip over it. The majority of models also come with an option for children's locks, which is a useful feature to consider for parents with children.