Types of Hobs
A hob, which is also known as stovetop in North America, is a cooking appliance that heats pans by using electric or flames. There are several different types of hobs available, so you can choose one that fits your style and kitchen.
Induction hobs have a flat ceramic surface and four or five zones to heat your pans. The contemporary designs that operate with a touch are sleek ovens and hobs uk stylish and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs offer an elegant and contemporary look that can really enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. The flat glass-ceramic surfaces are simple to clean and can quickly be cleaned up if spills or splatters occur. They also heat up very quickly and are energy efficient, which can help to reduce your electricity bills. However, one drawback of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow to adjust temperature settings which can be a problem if you're cooking something that requires immediate reduction or increase in heat.
Electric hobs consist of a solid surface which is heated from below by electric elements. The elements can be controlled separately using rotary knobs and notched up to the power level you require. You can even use the boost feature to increase the heat of a single area. Ceramic hobs also have a extremely high degree of heat retention, which means they'll stay hot to the touch after being shut off. It is essential to place ceramic hobs in a location that is away from any flammable objects and out of reach of children.
This type of hob can be mounted on a variety of worktops, including laminate, solid hardwood and granite. It's also fairly affordable and can be a great option if you're looking to replace your old hobs, but without spending a lot of money. But, as with all appliances, they must be properly installed and connected to the mains power supply, so we suggest hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure your new Hobs Oven are safe for use.
A downside of this type of hob is that it's extremely sensitive to the size of the pan as well as its shape. You'll need to buy cookware that's the exact size as the element, or that will fit comfortably inside the heating zones on the hob. If the cookware is not the same dimensions as the element, it will not recognize it and won't heat the bottom of the pan. This could result in inconsistent results in cooking and makes the hob less energy efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Gas on glass hobs offer modern, sleek design. They can be more expensive than electric models, and may require professional installations. However they heat up faster as a full pot of water can often boil in less than 4 minutes. This kind of hob is ideal for cooks who need to control how much heat is produced. However, it must be noted that a glass hob can be more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel models and will likely need to be cleaned more frequently, as the build-up of grease and residue tends to remain instead of sliding off.
A fantastic example of a gas on glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, that has four matt black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs for a an elegant and sophisticated look. The wok ring is 4kW to allow for more versatility and the pan supports are dishwasher-proof.
This Bosch gas hob is a highly recommended model. It is a sleek piece of toughened glass with cutting-edge cooking technology. The dual rings that are located on the left side of the hob offers a double inner flame to improve uniform heat distribution, which in turn accelerates cooking time. It also comes with an easy-to-read power indicator that helps you to control the exact temperature of the flame. You can choose between nine preset settings, including high settings to sear steaks and a lower one for scrambled eggs.
The simple, yet easy-to-use controls were also appreciated by our testers who found them be extremely easy to use. Some minor issues are that you have to physically press the controls nine times before you can reach the highest heating level and it can be difficult to discern the status of the burners through the glass.
This Neff model is among the top gas-on glass hobs that you can buy at a reasonable price. Although it's unlikely to be a winner of any design awards however, it serves the purpose well and can be an excellent addition to your kitchen for less than 120 pounds.
Electric hobs
There are a number of electric hobs that are perfect for modern households. They are not only sleek and stylish, but they are also safer, faster, and more energy efficient than their predecessors.
One of the most sought-after electric hobs is a ceramic hob. They are designed with a sleek glazed finish, and feature an easy surface to clean and resistant to scratches. They're also typically equipped with a power boost function, which allows you to increase the temperature of your stove for a brief period of time.
Another electric hob that is perfect for modern homes is an induction hob. In contrast to traditional electric and gas plate hobs, induction hobs uk use electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware. This means they are more energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. They require a specific type of pan, and can be costly to set up.
Gas on glass hobs are a different option for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under a flat glass layer, similar to a conventional gas stove. The glass is heatproof as well as shatterproof, making it easier to clean than glass that is tempered. Many of these hobs come with a "hot surface indicator" which alerts you to the temperature.
While gas hobs remain an option that is popular with home cooks, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They also take time to cool down and warm down and their flames can be hard to control. Electric hobs, on the other hand are more efficient in energy use and easier to clean.
For the highest level of modern efficiency You can even find electric hobs that are compatible with LPG gas. This lets you switch between different fuel sources, meaning you'll be able to fit your needs. It is important to note, however, that these stoves will require installation by an accredited gas safe engineer and will require a separate cable of 6mm in your kitchen. They're also not suitable for people who have pacemakers, as the electromagnetic field can cause interference with them.
Induction hobs
Copper coils create an alternating electric current under the glass surface of an induction hob. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on a hob the coils produce magnetic fields that generate heat directly in the pan instead of heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or a heated plate (electric). Induction hobs are very efficient in energy use, since they don't use any heat.
There are a myriad of models of induction stoves from the basic ones with a single zone marked by rings to more advanced multi-zoned induction stoves that have up to six zones that allow multiple pots to cook simultaneously in one flex space. Certain models feature a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. You can choose the desired temperature by sliding your finger from left to right over the power bar in the middle. Certain models can even be programmed with settings for specific recipes or food items which can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are more expensive than ceramic hobs. However, they are more efficient in the long term. They are more efficient in heating and have a smaller area for heating which can lower the cost of energy. They cool down faster and also are safer than traditional hobs that do not have hot plates. This makes them ideal for families with children or elderly residents. However, they can create magnetic fields that could cause interference with medical devices like pacemakers so it's important to center your pans over the burner and avoid using small pans on large burners.
Like all electric hobs, you'll need to keep your induction hob clean, as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use a regular oven and hob cleaner, or opt for a specialist product to help keep your hob shiny and in good condition for a longer time. Just be sure to never use the abrasive cleaning pads or scouring pads on your induction cooker as they could scratch the surface.