What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It has been discovered that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory system and is necessary for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent of a cooktop or stove top. Nigella frequently suggests placing a pot "on the hob." The word is used in the same way in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs make use of magnetism instead of direct heat to warm pans and pots. Under the cooktop surface are coils through which an alternating electric current is run. When a ferromagnetic cookware or pan is placed over the cooktop this creates a magnetic field which generates electricity. This also means that the cooktop is cool to the touch, which saves energy when compared to gas and electric models.
Another benefit is that induction hobs are less dangerous than gas hobs of the traditional variety, with no open flames to harm your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student halls and iQ Student Accommodation flats where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob does not get hot, and is easily cleaned with a damp rag.
Induction requires specific pans. You will need pans with a flat, 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 to the pan, it is a good pan for your induction cooker.
Other popular choices include ceramic hobs, which come with a an elegant appearance and are available in a range of colours. They are easy to heat up, but they require more energy than induction hobs, because they heat up the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean too, as the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned using a cloth. Most of them come with dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds, choose an induction cooktop equipped with a TFT display that displays the position of your cookware, as well as 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 a boost function for extra-quick results. It comes with control locks that stop accidental button pushing. It also features an indicator of residual temperature and an auto-shutdown option if you forget your hob.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs utilize propane or natural gas to heat their burners and oven and hob. This allows for a faster cooking time and better control of temperature. This makes it perfect for cooking, frying, sauteing, as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Gas hobs are also dependant of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages, though at a slower speed. It also has a lower fire risk because the heat from the burners is restricted to the pans they're in contact with. It's still important to keep flammable materials away from the burners and use safe cooking habits to prevent accidental fires.
Modern gas hobs are a combination of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models employ an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. 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 lower than 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 is less expensive than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more care than electric ones. Gas hobs tend to collect oily spills on the burner's grates. It is also necessary to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residues from building up. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design avoids the need for awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.
Electric hobs
Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and simple to clean after use. Many models have residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This helps minimise accidents and is particularly useful for households with children. Some models are also fitted with overflow protection which detects when a pan is boiling ovens and hobs then automatically switches off the hob to stop spills.
Designed to be elegant and stylish, these induction hobs operate by transferring an electric charge through copper coils that create a magnetic field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs and ovens and offers precise temperature control, a cool-to-touch surface and energy efficiency.
However, these types of hobs can be more expensive than traditional gas models and need to be installed by an experienced professional. Many come with a flat glass cooktop for a modern look and offer an array of features, such as child locks as well as timers, auto shut off and built in food sensors.
A popular choice with customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both worlds, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to burning, scratching and stains. These models come in a variety of colours that fit in with your kitchen. Many have pre-installed panels and trims to create a seamless appearance.
Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates needing to be cleaned regularly and then soaked in warm water for cleaning before reassembling. They are also prone to staining from liquid spillages and are a bit slower than other hobs to heat up, but they have a high energy efficiency.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform a culinary endeavour into a music of flavours. We have a variety of hobs that will meet any budget and requirement.
The best hobs are stylish, durable and easy to clean. They offer a variety of features that will allow you to cook without difficulty. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most sought-after choices.
Ceramic hobs utilize electric heating elements under a glass surface that transfer heat directly to your cookware making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They are quick to heat up and provide precise temperature control, making them ideal for any type of cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators that warn you if your glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs work by creating magnetic fields between the element and the pan that allows heat to be generated only when it is required. They are quicker to heat up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs and offer excellent efficiency, and no waste of heat from the rest of the hob.
Gas hobs are the more traditional option and are preferred by a lot of professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control. This makes them suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They are also economical and can be used in most pans. However, they can be harder to clean because the grates and burners have nooks and crannies where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are durable and durable, providing an excellent heat distribution that is suitable for daily use. They tend to be less expensive than gas or induction hobs and are ideal for when you have limited space. They can be converted to make use of bottled LPG ovens and hobs can be used with all kinds of pans. They can take longer to cool and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Many of the modern hobs that we offer come with child locks and a range of safety features that are enhanced for added peace of mind.