What is a Hob?
Hob is a controlled exocytosis protein. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory system, and is necessary for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests putting the pot on the stove. The word is used with similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs heat pans and pots by magnetism, not direct heating. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils that an electric current flows through and when a ferromagnetic pot 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 in comparison to electric and gas models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are safer than gas hobs of the traditional variety, with no open flames to burn your fingers or cookware. They are great for student halls or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is the top priority. This kind of hob is also easy to clean as the smooth glass-ceramic cooktop surface doesn't get hot and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
The downside to induction is that you require pans that can be used. You will need pans that have a flat, thick base made of ferrous metals like steel and cast iron. They must be compatible with induction and a good way to check is by running a magnet over the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction cooker.
Other popular choices include ceramic hobs that have an elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up, but they require more energy than induction hobs, since they heat the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to clean, too, since the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth. Most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids to provide convenience.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds, choose an induction cooktop with a TFT screen that shows the position of your cookware and an adjustable control panel that can adjust the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil melt, boil and slow cook) and a boost function to give you faster results. It also has lockable controls to prevent accidental button pushing and comes with an indicator for residual heat and auto switch-off in the event that you forget about your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses propane or natural gas to heat its oven hob and burners and oven, which results in a quicker cooking speed and higher temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling and sauteing as well as for other cooking methods. While it may not be as efficient as an electric hob, a gas one is generally cheaper to operate than one powered by electricity.
As a bonus the gas hob's heating source is unaffected by electricity, so it's still functional during power outages, albeit at a lower speed. The heat produced by the burners is also limited to the pans that they are in contact with, which reduces the risk of fire. To prevent fires, it's essential to keep all flammable items from the flames.
A modern gas hob is a blend of traditional gas burners and certain electrical components that regulate the burner's ignition, flame output, and safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs let you adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Many come with a built-in timer, which allows you to determine a specific cooking time.
Gas hobs are usually cheaper to purchase upfront than models with induction, however the cost of operating them will depend on the gas prices in your area. Some gas hobs are compatible with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is often cheaper than natural gas.
Gas hobs need more attention than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate greasy spills on the burner's grates. It is also necessary to clean the flat and rimless cooking surface regularly to avoid food residue accumulating. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils which could collect debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They utilize electric coils that create heat under the cooking zone. Many models come with residual heat indicators that tell you what zones were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This is particularly helpful for homes with children. Some models also come with overflow protection which detects when a pot is boiling and automatically switches off the hob to stop spills.
Designed to be elegant and stylish, these induction hobs operate by passing an electric current through copper coils that create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs and offers precise temperature control as well as a cool-to-touch surface. energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of cooktops are more expensive than traditional gas models and should be installed by a professional. They are often equipped with a flat ceramic glass cooktop for a modern look and come with a variety of features, such as child locks and timers, auto shut-off and built-in sensors for food preparation.
A favorite choice among consumers electric ceramic hobs provide the best ovens uk of both worlds, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, which is resistant to burning, scratching and stains. 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 for seamless appearance.
Similar to induction hobs, these models require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates having to be cleaned frequently and soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They are also more prone to staining due to liquid spillages. They also heat up a bit slower compared to other types of hobs, despite their high energy efficiency.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen component that transform any food preparation into a spectacular symphony of flavours. If you're looking to create your cooking arsenal anew or just looking for an upgrade, we have a variety of hob models that will meet your requirements and budget.
The best oven hobs are stylish sturdy, durable, and easy to clean. They also offer a wide array of special features that allow you to cook like an expert. The most popular options include ceramic, induction and gas.
Ceramic hobs are energy-efficient and easy to clean as they use electric heating elements under a glass surface. They heat up quickly and can regulate the temperature with precision, making them perfect for all types cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators to warn you if the glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs create an electric field that allows heat to be produced where it is needed. They are faster to warm up than gas or sealed plate hobs and provide excellent efficiency, and no waste of heat that is not needed by the other parts of the hob.
Gas hobs have been a popular option for a long time and are still preferred by many 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 cost-effective and can be used in all pans. However, they are harder to clean because the burners and grates have nooks and crannies in which dirt can hide.
Solid plate hobs provide excellent heat distribution and are durable. They are great for use on a daily basis. They are generally cheaper than induction or gas hobs and are ideal for when you have limited space. Some are able to be converted to use the bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. They may take longer to heat and cool down and are not suitable for simmering. Modern hobs have child locks, as well as a variety of safety features that provide you with peace of mind.