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. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.
Consumers are interested in smart hobs that integrate with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, which are elegant and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models, which rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction hobs use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current runs through. When a pot that is compatible is placed in the cooking area the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal in the pot, generating electrical currents as well as heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and are easier to clean.
Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance has an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently in use and the power setting you have selected. The control panel may also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that can increase the power of the cooking zone for a short time. This is useful to speedily bring the water in a pot to a boil, or heating a pan to sear.
Many induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colors to match your kitchen decor. They also come with minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators that show the power level or other functions.
In order to maximize the performance of your induction hob you will need to use induction-compatible cookware. The best ovens and hobs way to check if a pan is induction compatible is to place an iron rod across its base; if the magnet stays it's safe for use on an induction hob. A majority of induction hobs come with a pan detection system to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when the pan or pans are present.
Induction hobs uk can be ideal for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame and are more secure than gas versions. However, they do make a humming or ticking noise in operation, which may irritate certain people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware, making it ideal for a variety of cooking methods. They are quicker to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands that need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is clean.
Modern gas hobs typically use electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They then use electrical components, including switches and sensors, to control the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners are operating properly. They could also include various control knobs that can be used to alter the flame intensity and heat output.
Depending on the model that you select, gas hobs come with anywhere between one and six burners. Take into account the size of your pans when choosing the number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for all the cookware you plan to use. If you frequently stir-fry, opt for one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models have griddles integrated, so you can make a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However, operating costs can be different based on the local gas rates and the usage. It's important to keep in that a gas-powered hob requires natural gas Ovens and hobs uk ventilation, which could make installation more expensive than an induction or electric hob.
Vented hobs combine two appliances into one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They draw smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob, allowing them to work much more effectively than traditional hoods since they're able to capture steam at the cooking level instead of letting it rise and spill out into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
If you're looking for more hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outdoors, a portable hob can be a great choice. They're designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug in, so they're a breeze to use and carry with you when you want to cook somewhere else. They are also useful when you're remodeling your kitchen or just need some extra hob space for busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both home and professional kitchens due to their speed safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electrical current flowing through it, which then warms the pan you place on the top. This means there's no wasted heat' like with a gas or electric oven hob, which can help reduce your costs.
This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and double rings that can be used for various pots and pans. Its intuitive interface and good heat distribution make it an absolute hit with test participants, who also liked the capability to easily change the temperature of the two zones useful. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to come to a boil, which can be a hassle for those who are in a hurry.
If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth taking a take a look. It's thin and light - less than half the size of the other models on this list - which makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more professional and is much more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.
These hobs could be a great, smaller alternative to the larger ones, but they are still hot and could cause serious burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where people could trip over it. Most models also have an option for children's locks that is a great feature to consider for parents with children.