Types of Hobs
A hob (known as stove tops in North America) is a cooking appliance that heats up pans by using electricity or flames. There are a variety of hobs, and you can choose one that fits your style and kitchen.
Induction hobs feature flat cooking surfaces made of ceramic and include four or five zones to heat your pans. The contemporary designs that operate with a touch are elegant and chic and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs have modern and sleek design that can enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen. The flat glass-ceramic surfaces can be easy to clean and can easily be cleaned up when spills or splatters happen. They are quick to heat up and are energy efficient which means they can cut down on your electric bill. However, one drawback of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow in changing temperature settings and can be a hassle when cooking food that requires immediate reduction or increase in heat.
Electric hobs use plates that are heated by electric elements underneath. They can be controlled separately with rotary knobs, best ovens and hobs uk then tacked up to the power level you require. You can utilize the Boost feature to boost the temperature of a specific zone. Ceramic hobs hold heat extremely well, so even when they have been turned off, they'll be hot to the touch. It's important to install ceramic hobs in a location that is far from any flammable objects and away from children's reach.
This kind of hob is able to be used on a variety of worktops including laminate and solid hardwood as well as granite. It's also fairly affordable and is a great alternative if you're looking to replace your previous hobs, but without spending a lot of money. However, just like any other appliance, they do need to be properly installed and connected to the mains power supply, so we suggest hiring a professional electrician to ensure that the new hobs are safe to use.
A downside of this type of hob is that it's extremely sensitive to the size of the pan and shape. It is necessary to purchase cookware that's either the exact same dimensions as the element or that can fit comfortably into each of the heating zones on the hob. If the cookware isn't the same dimensions as the element, it won't recognize it and won't be able to heat the bottom of the pan. This can result in cooking that is uneven and make the hob less efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Glass hobs with gas are sleek and contemporary in appearance. While they can be more expensive than electric models and require professional installation, they often require less time to heat up. It's not uncommon for a full pan of water to boil within four minutes or less. This type of hob also is a great choice for cooks who need to limit the amount of heat is generated. Glass hobs are more vulnerable to damage and require more frequent cleaning since they tend to build up grease and residue.
This Bertazzoni hob is an excellent example of gas on glass. It has four monobloc burners finished in matt black with metal control knobs for a stylish, sophisticated appearance. It also includes an oblong wok ring with 4kW for added versatility, plus pan supports that are dishwasher-safe, making them easier to keep clean.
This Bosch gas hob is another highly recommended model. It combines a stylish piece of toughened glass and advanced cooking technology. The dual ring design to the left of the gas hob features an inner burner that doubles to improve heat distribution and accelerate cooking. It also features an easy-to-read power level indicator, which helps to regulate the exact temperature of the flame. You can select from nine pre-defined settings including the high setting for searing a steak and an option for scrambled eggs.
Our test participants also liked the controls because they were simple and easy to use. A few minor drawbacks include the fact that you must physically press the controls nine times to reach the highest heating level, and that it can be difficult to see the state of the burners through the glass.
This Neff model is one of the top gas-on-glass hobs oven that are available at an affordable price. It's not likely to win any design prizes however it's going to perform the task and be a great addition to your kitchen at just above 120 dollars.
Electric hobs
There are many electric hobs that are ideal for modern homes. They're not only sleek and stylish, but also faster, safer and more efficient than their predecessors.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most popular electric stoves. They're designed with a sleek, glossy finish and an easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to smudges and scratches. They're also typically equipped with a power boost feature which lets you increase the temperature of your stove for a short period of time.
Induction hobs are yet another electric hob that is ideal for modern homes. Induction hobs cook your food directly with electromagnetic fields unlike traditional gas and electric plates. This means they are more energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. However, they require a specific kind of pan to work with them and can be expensive to install.
A gas-on-glass hob is a second option that is a good choice for modern homes. Similar to a traditional gas hob, it comes with a burner beneath the glass is a flat layer. The glass is heatproof and shatterproof, making it much easier to clean than tempering glass. A lot of these hobs have an "hot surface indicator" which alerts you to the heat.
Gas hobs remain a preferred choice for many home chefs, but they can be noisy and hard to clean. They also take time to cool down and warm down, and their flame can be difficult to control. On the other hand, electric hobs are more efficient in terms of energy consumption and are easier to clean.
You can even find electric stoves that are compatible LPG gas. You can switch between a variety of fuels, allowing you the flexibility you need to fit your lifestyle. It's important to note that these stoves will need to be installed by a registered gas safe engineer. They also require a dedicated cable of 6mm to be installed in your kitchen. They're also not suitable for those with pacemakers, since the electromagnetic field may interfere with them.
Induction hobs
On the glass surface of the induction hobs, there are copper coils which run an electrical current that is alternating. When an induction-compatible plate is placed on the hob the coils generate magnetic fields which direct heat the pan, instead of heating the surface of the worktop or a heated plate. Induction hobs are extremely efficient from an energy perspective since there's no heat being wasted.
There are a myriad of models of induction stoves, from the basic entry-level ones with a single zone identified by rings up to more advanced multi zoned induction stoves that have up to 6 zones and allow for multiple pots to be cooked simultaneously on one flex area. Some of these premium models come with a touch slider control that looks very similar to how you operate on an iPhone. Simply slide your finger across the power bar at the middle to select the desired heat level, left to right increases heat and right to left decreases it. Some models have preset settings for specific food types or recipes, which can save time in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are more expensive than ceramic hobs. However they are more energy efficient in the long run. They can heat faster and have a smaller heating area which can lower your energy bills. They cool quicker and also are safer than traditional hobs that do not have hot plates. This makes them a great choice for families that have children or elderly people. However, they create magnetic fields that could cause interference oven with hob medical devices such as pacemakers so it is important to place your pans on the burner and avoid using small pans on large burners.
As with all electric hobs you'll have to clean your electric hob on a regular basis, as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use a standard oven hob cleaner, or you can purchase a specialist cleaner to help keep your hob shiny and in good condition for longer. You should never use the abrasive cleaning products or the scratching pads on your induction stove as they may scratch the surface.