A Guide to the Best Hobs in the UK
A hob is a cooker top that is affixed to a worktop and is separate from an oven. A cooker is a freestanding unit that includes the hob as well as an oven.
Hobs are sly and occasionally malignant sprites that live in the countryside. They were often combined with Goblins to create the Hobgoblin.
Gas Hobs
In any modern kitchen, a good hob is essential. No matter if you prefer ceramic, gas or induction, there's an appliance to fit your style and budget. A high-quality hob will heat quickly and evenly which allows you to cook food in a matter of minutes. It also adds sleekness to the kitchen.
One of the main advantages of a gas cooker is the precise temperature control. It's easy to reach high heat levels which is ideal for boiling water, searing meat or stir-frying vegetables. Its ability to adjust heat output quickly is also ideal for delicate sauces and dishes, which require a lower temperature setting.
Gas hobs are also energy efficient. It runs on natural gas, which is usually less expensive than electricity, making it less expensive to run a stove. It also makes use of a direct flame for heating your kitchen utensils. This means there is less energy wasted around the edges of the burner.
Modern gas hobs come with an elegant design that can be matched to any kitchen design. You can choose models with glossy black or stainless steel finishes that blend in seamlessly and make your kitchen look more modern. You can also choose a model made of glass that is easy to clean and durable.
Gas hobs have become an increasingly popular option in modern kitchens because of their versatility and ease of use. They can also be a great complement to traditional kitchen designs, especially when you incorporate a range cooker into your layout. However, it's important to remember that they could increase the risk of fire when compared to electric or induction hobs. This is because they lack the added safety features of being able to shut off immediately and also having child safety locks on the control knobs.
When you are choosing a gas stove, consider the number of cooking zones and burners you need. You can select models that have 1,2 or 5 cooking zones. A lot of models also have central wok burners which is a high-powered burner that can be used for quick stirring-frying or boiling. Make sure you know the type of ignition you are using. The majority of gas stoves use an electric spark or a continuous electric pilot flame to light the burners.
Induction Hobs
Induction cookers have gained a lot of popularity due to their speed and efficiency. Gas hobs are still an option for home cooks. These flat glass-topped hobs utilize magnetism to heat the contents of a pan rather than heating the surface which makes them more efficient and more secure since there isn't a flame underneath. Induction hobs come with a range of features. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts found that certain features are extremely useful.
One of them is the bridge function, which allows you to join two hob rings to make room for larger pans. You can also choose to regulate the temperature of each ring separately via the touchscreen panel. This is a great choice for those who enjoy entertaining and could be lifesaver if you have guests with different dietary requirements. It is important to remember that induction hobs aren't suitable for people who wear pacemakers since they generate electromagnetic fields which could interfere with their function.
The British Heart Foundation recommends a minimum of 60cm separation between a source of power and any active hob, if you have a pacemaker fitted. The magnetic field produced by the hob can cause electrical devices to malfunction. Make sure that the device is not within reach of hot cooking or cooking zones.
Another induction hob we have available is this model from CDA, which has five hob zones as well as a variety of functions, including melt and simmer which can be perfect for bain maries and slow cooked stews. This hb is also designed with safety in the mind. It comes with child locks, anti-overflow and overheat settings.
The design of this induction stove is a bit more contemporary than the other models we have available. This is reflected in the sleek black finish which will integrate well with most kitchen designs. It comes with a range of features including a pause function, which allows you to temporarily shut off the oven with hob without taking the pan off and a boost function that provides additional power for quick heat-up. It is also rated as energy efficient and the touch-screen display includes a variety of pre-set options for your favourite recipes.
LPG Hobs
Gas hobs can attain higher temperatures and provide instant heat control. Gas hobs are popular in both commercial and residential kitchens. They can be used to heat leftovers or cook up culinary masterpieces.
Our range of LPG gas hobs include an array of sizes ranging from 60cm, which includes 4 burners to 90cm consisting of five or six burners. Many of these hobs are also compatible with natural gas by using a a simple conversion kit, making them the perfect solution for homes with mains connections.
All of our gas stoves are made by brands you trust including Falcon, Imperial and Lincat with models available in a selection of finishes. You'll find models made of stainless steel, black glass and other finishes that will complement your home.
When you are choosing a gas stove, there are plenty of features to consider. Certain models have automatic pan detection as an additional safety feature. This allows the cooking zones to start only when the appropriate cookware has been placed and prevents heat loss. Certain hobs feature a mix of cooking zones that accommodate different pan sizes. Others offer child locks that keep unintentional fingers away from the controls, and some come with an auto switch that shuts off the cooker when it's not utilized for a specific duration of time.
Another great thing about LPG is that it's more widely available than electricity, which is often harder to find in rural areas. It's liquid form makes it easy to store and transport, making it an ideal for those who live in remote areas or run catering businesses without access to mains-gas.
Gas hobs are available in various models, some of which have water boiling times as little as five minutes. They are ideal for preparing pastas, potatoes and other meals when time is at a premium. Our hobs have cast iron pan supports that are durable and feature the flame failure safety feature to ensure the flame is never completely extinguished.
Contact Us
The right hob makes all the difference when you're cooking with your family or friends. Our kitchen experts will guide you through the four most popular models and help you choose the cooker hob that is most suitable for your lifestyle and cooking habits.
Gas hobs provide excellent precision and control, and come in a range of styles available that range from 4 to 6 burners. There are models which can be converted to LPG which is a safer and cheaper fuel. Our selection includes all the major brands, and a vast choice of finishes and colours to match your kitchen style.
The word hob originates from an old English phrase that originally meant 'a shelf, grate or fireside'. It's an archaic word that describes how we cooked at home many years ago, with huge fireplaces and separate shelves where pots were set to cook. Today, the majority of kitchens have an oven, as well as a separate hob (stove top) that is either gas or electric.
The British typically refer to their stove as a hob but other countries might use the term cooker. A hob is an independent piece of equipment with heating rings for saucepans. A cooker is a bigger unit that incorporates a hob and an oven. A range cooker is a combination of a hob uk (linked internet page) and an oven, usually built into an worktop. More information about the gas hobs that are affected, including hazard descriptions and the product's identifiers can be found on the Product Safety Report pages linked to above.