A Guide to the Best Hobs in the UK
A hob is an oven that is distinct from a cooker. A cooker is a freestanding unit that includes both a stove and an oven.
Mischievous - and possibly malignant sprites of the countryside, hobs and ovens were often combined with Goblin to give us the Hobgoblin.
Gas Hobs
In any modern kitchen, a high-quality hob is essential. There's a hob to suit every budget and style, whether you're looking for ceramic, induction, or gas. A good hob will cook quickly and evenly and allow you to cook food in no time. It also adds an elegant look to your kitchen.
One of the main advantages of a gas stove is the precise temperature control. It is quick to reach high temperatures which is ideal for boiling water, searing meat, and stirring-frying vegetables. Its ability adjust heat output quickly makes it ideal for delicate sauces or dishes that require the use of a lower temperature setting.
Another advantage of a gas best hob is its energy efficiency. Gas is less expensive than electricity and can be used to power the hob. It also makes use of a direct flame for heating your utensils. This means there is less energy wasted around edges of the burner.
Modern gas hobs feature modern designs that will complement any kitchen decor. Models with stainless steel or a glossy black finish blend seamlessly into your kitchen and make it look more modern. You can also choose a model made of glass which is easy to clean and extremely durable.
Gas hobs are a popular option for modern kitchens because of their versatility and convenience. They also work well with traditional kitchen designs, especially when you incorporate the range cooker into your layout. It is important to keep in mind that they could increase the risk of fire when compared to electric or induction stoves. This is because they don't come with the additional safety features of being able to be turned off immediately and also having child-safety locks on the control knobs.
When choosing a gas stove, consider the number of burners and cooking zones you need. There are models that have one or two cooking zones. Many models also have a central wok burner, which is a high-powered burner that can be used for rapid boiling or stir-frying. You should also check the type of ignition system you are using. The majority of gas hobs light the burners with an electric spark or an ongoing electric pilot flame.
Induction Hobs
While gas hobs are popular with home cooks Induction cookers are gaining popularity for their efficiency and speed. These glass-topped flat stoves use magnetism instead of heat to heat the pan's contents. This makes them more efficient and safer because there is no flame beneath. Induction hobs and ovens have a variety of features. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts found that some of these features can be very useful.
One of them is a bridge function that allows you to join two hob rings together to accommodate larger pans. You can also control the temperature of each ring independently via the touchscreen panel. This is a great option for those who love entertaining and could be lifesaver if you have guests with different food preferences. It is worth noting though that induction hobs aren't suitable for those who have pacemakers because they create electromagnetic fields that can disrupt their operation.
The British Heart Foundation recommends a minimum distance of 60cm between a source of power and any active hob, if you're wearing a pacemaker. The magnetic field generated by the hob may also cause some electrical devices to malfunction. Make sure the device isn't in the vicinity of hot plates or cooking zones.
Another induction hob available is this model from CDA with five hob zones and many features, like melt and simmer, which can be ideal for bain maries and slow cooked stews. This hb is built with safety in mind. It comes with child locks, anti-overflow, and overheat settings.
This induction hob comes with a more modern design than others. This is reflected in the sleek black finish which is compatible with most kitchen designs. It comes with a variety of features that include the ability to pause, which allows you to temporarily turn off the hob without having to remove the pan, and a boost function that provides additional power to speed up the heating process. It is also energy-efficient, and the touch-screen panel has some handy pre-set recipes to help you choose your favourite recipes.
LPG Hobs
Gas hobs can be controlled to heat instantly, with the capability of reaching higher temperatures than electric cooktops. With options that can be used in professional and home kitchens, they're a popular option for those who want to create culinary masterpieces from scratch, or heat up leftovers.
Our range of LPG gas hobs comes with a wide variety of widths from 60cm comprising 4 burners to 90cm, which is comprised of 5 or 6 burners. Many of these hobs can also be converted to natural gas with a simple kit. This is why they are the ideal choice for homes that already have mains connections.
All of our gas hobs are made by brands you trust like Falcon, Imperial and Lincat with models available in a selection of finishes. From stainless steel to black glass, you're bound to find a model that will fit your style and complement the other kitchen appliances.
There are many options to consider when selecting gas hobs and ovens, including some models that feature automatic pan detection for added safety. This lets the cooking zones be activated only after the necessary cookware is in place, preventing heat waste. Some hobs have adjustable cooking zones that can accommodate various sizes of pans. Some offer child locks to keep unintentional fingers from the controls, and some have an auto switch that shuts off the hob if it's not utilized for a specific amount of time.
Another great thing about LPG is that it's more widely available than electricity, which is typically difficult to locate in rural areas. Being liquid means that it can be easily stored and transported which makes it a popular choice for those living in remote areas or catering establishments who don't have access mains gas.
Our selection of gas hobs has a wide range of options, with a few of our models boasting quick water boiling times of under five minutes. This makes them ideal for preparing pasta or potatoes as well as other popular dishes in busy kitchens where time is of the essence. Our hobs are equipped with cast iron pan supports that are strong and have an alarm system for flame failure to ensure the flame is never extinguished.
Contact Us
The best hob can make all the difference when you're cooking for your family or with friends. Our experts will walk you through the four most common types and help you identify the cooker hob most suitable for you lifestyle, your cooking style and habits.
Gas hobs offer excellent precision and control, and come in a range of different styles available with 4 to 6 burners. There are models which can be converted to LPG which is a safer and more affordable fuel. Our range includes all major brands, with a wide range of finishes and colours to complement your kitchen design.
The word hob is an old English phrase that was originally used to mean 'a shelf, grate or fireside'. It's an old-fashioned word that describes how we cooked at home many years ago, with huge fireplaces and separate shelves where pots were set to cook. Nowadays, kitchens are equipped with an oven as well as a separate hob (stove top) that can be electric or gas.
The British typically refer to their stove as a hob but other countries might use the term cooker. Hobs are an independent piece of equipment with heating rings for saucepans. A cooker is a larger unit that includes a hob and an oven. A range cooker is a combination of a stove and oven, often built into an worktop. More information on the affected gas hobs, including hazard descriptions and product identifiers can be found on the Product Safety Report pages linked to above.