What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. It has been found that it regulates the production of insulin by Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory apparatus and is essential for the proper function of secretory cells.
In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent to a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests that you place an uncooked pot on the hob. The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs employ magnetism, rather than direct heat to warm pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop's surface, there are coils through which an alternating electrical current flows through, and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, this creates a magnetic field, which generates electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch, thereby saving energy compared with gas and electric models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are safer than gas hobs of the traditional variety as there is no open flames that could burn your fingers or cookware. They are perfect for student residences and iQ Student Accommodation flats, where safety is paramount. This type of hob is also easy to clean because the smooth glass-ceramic cooktop surface doesn't get hot and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
The disadvantage of induction is that you require specific pans that work. You'll need pans with a flat or even thick base made of ferrous metals like cast iron or steel. To determine if these pans will be induction-compatible, you should apply a magnet to the base. If the magnet sticks, it is a suitable pan for your induction hob.
Other popular choices include ceramic hobs that have an elegant look and come in a range of colours. They are easy to heat up, however they tend to use more energy than induction hobs as they heat up the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to clean as well, since the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned using a cloth. Most of them come with dishwasher-safe lids for extra convenience.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds, go for an induction stove equipped with a TFT monitor which shows the location of your cookware and a control panel to adjust the power settings. It comes with four auto cooking modes to choose from (boil melt, slow and boil cook) as well as an increase function to get faster results. It has locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. It also features a residual temperature indicator and an auto-shutdown option if you forget to turn off your stove.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs utilize propane or natural gas to heat their burners and oven. This permits for faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling sauteing, as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to operate than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs (More methods).
Gas hobs are also independent of electricity. This means they can continue to function even during power outages - albeit at a slower speed. It also has a lower risk of fire since the burners' heat is restricted to the pans they come in contact with. To prevent fires, it is important to keep flammable items away from the burners.
Modern gas hobs are a combination of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the flame's output, ignition and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that emits an electric spark or a pilot flame to light the burner. They also feature control knobs that allow you to alter the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output. Many also come with a timer that allows you to set an exact cooking duration.
Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually less than that of an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas rates. Some gas hobs are compatible with LPG, which is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be less expensive than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more maintenance than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate oily spills on the burner's grates. Also, you'll need to clean the flat, rimless cooking surface frequently to prevent food residue from accumulating. Some brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Additionally their flat rimless design eliminates the necessity for awkwardly positioned pot holders and utensils which can collect debris and increase the likelihood of spills.
Electric hobs
Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models also feature residual heat indicators that inform you of which areas have been used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This reduces the risk of accidents and is especially helpful in homes with children. Certain models also have overflow protection, which recognizes when the pan is boiling and shuts off the stove to prevent spillage.
The idea behind them is to make them elegant and stylish, these induction hobs operate by transferring an electric current through copper coils that create magnetic fields that heat the bottom of induction-compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control, a cool-to-touch surface and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of hobs can be more expensive than traditional gas models and should be installed by professionals. Some have a flat glass ceramic cooktops to give them a modern look. They also offer many features such as timers, child locks, auto shutoffs and built-in food sensors.
A favorite choice among consumers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both worlds by providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to burns, scratches and staining. These models are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen's design. Some come with pre-installed trims and panels to give a seamless finish.
Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance with the grates ovens and hobs uk burner caps having to be removed regularly and soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They are also prone to staining due to spills of liquid and are a little slower than other hobs to heat up, but they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform a cooking venture into a music of flavours. We have a variety of hobs to suit any budget and requirement.
The best hobs are stylish, durable and easy to clean. They come with a range of features that let you to cook effortlessly. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most popular choices.
Ceramic hobs utilize electric heating elements beneath a glass surface that transfer heat directly to your cookware making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They heat up quickly and regulate the temperature precisely which makes them suitable for all types cookware. Certain models come with residual heat indicators that inform you if the surface of the glass remains hot.
Induction hobs operate by creating an electric field between the element and your pan that allows heat to be generated only where it is required. They are faster to warm up than gas or sealed plate hobs. They also have a high energy efficiency, with no loss of heat that is not needed by the rest of the hob.
Gas hobs are a more traditional option that is preferred by many professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a range of cooking methods. They are also economical and can be used in most pans. They can be difficult to clean however, because the grates and burners are prone to having crevices and nooks where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are strong and durable, providing an excellent heat distribution for use in everyday life. They tend to be less expensive than gas or induction hobs and are ideal if you are limited in space. Some are able to use the bottled LPG and are suitable for all types of pans. However, they will take a little longer to heat up and cool down, and aren't ideal for simmering. Many of the modern hobs that we offer come with child locks and a range of enhanced safety features for added peace of mind.