Types of Hobs
A hob, also referred to as stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans using electric or flames. There are several different types of hobs, and you can pick one that suits your style and kitchen.
Induction hobs are equipped with flat ceramic surfaces and four or five zones to heat your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and fashionable, and they are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs provide modern and sleek design which can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. They feature a flat glass-ceramic surface that is easy to clean, so spills and splatters are quickly wiped away. They are fast to heat up and are energy efficient which means they can cut down on the cost of electricity. Ceramic hobs can be slow when changing temperature settings. This can be a hassle when you are cooking something that requires quick decrease or an increase in the heat.
Electric hobs are made of a solid plate that is heated by electric elements underneath. The power of each element can be individually adjusted via the rotary knobs. You can utilize the Boost feature to increase the temperature of a certain zone. Ceramic hobs also have very high heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch even after being shut off. This could be a problem if you have children, so it's best to only install them in a location that is well away from any flammable items and away from young children.
This kind of hob is able to be installed on a variety worktops such as laminate and solid hardwood as well as granite. It is also relatively affordable and is a great option for those trying to replace your old hobs without spending too much money. As with all appliances, they need to be installed correctly and connected to the mains. We recommend hiring an electrician to ensure that your new hobs are safe to use.
The drawback of this kind of hob is that it's very sensitive to the size of the pan and shape. You will need to purchase cookware that either matches the element exactly or fits comfortably in all of the heating zones. If the cookware is not the same dimensions as the element, the element will not recognize it and won't be able to 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
Glass hobs with gas are sleek and contemporary in design. They are more expensive than electric hobs, and require professional installation. However they heat up faster - the water in a full pot can typically boil in less than 4 minutes. This type of hob is also a great choice for cooks who want to regulate the amount of heat produced. However, it should be not forgotten that a glass hob is more prone to damage than stainless steel ones and will likely require cleaning more frequently, as the accumulation of grease and residue tends to stay on the surface rather than slide off.
One of the best ovens examples of a gas-on-glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, that has four matt black monobloc burners that have precise metal control knobs that create a a stylish and sophisticated finish. The wok ring has a power of 4kW for extra versatility and the pan supports are dishwasher safe.
Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob that combines a stylish slab of toughened glass with the latest cooking technology. The dual ring design on the left of the gas hob has a double inner burner to increase heat distribution and accelerate cooking. It also has an indicator for power that helps you to control the precise temperature of the flame. You can choose from nine pre-defined settings including a high setting for searing steaks and an option for scrambled eggs.
Our test subjects also appreciated the controls, as they were simple and intuitive. There are a few minor disadvantages, for instance, you must press the controls nine more times to reach the highest heating level and that the glass can make it difficult to discern what the burners are doing.
This Neff model is one of the top gas-on-glass hobs that are available at an affordable price. While it's not going to be a winner of any design awards however, it serves the purpose well and can be an excellent addition to your kitchen for best hob just over PS120.
Electric hobs
There are a number of electric hobs that are ideal for modern households. They are not only sleek and stylish, but they are also safer, faster, and more energy efficient than their predecessors.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most popular electric stoves. They're designed with a sleek, polished, glazed finish. They also have an easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to scratches or smudges. They're also usually fitted with a power boost function, which allows you to increase the heat of your hob for a short period of time.
Induction hobs are a different electric hob that is perfect for modern homes. In contrast to traditional electric and gas plate hobs, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. They are therefore more energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. They require a particular kind of pan and can be costly to install.
Hobs made of glass that are gas-powered are a great alternative for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under a flat glass layer, like a traditional gas stove. However the glass is shatterproof and heatproof, so it's much simpler to clean than standard glass that's tempered. A lot of these hobs have a 'hot surface indicator', which informs you when the hob is hot.
Gas hobs are a popular choice for many home chefs, but they can be noisy and hard to clean. The flame can also be difficult to control and take a long time to get hot and cool off. On the other hand electric hobs are efficient in energy use and easier to clean.
For the ultimate in modern efficiency You can also find electric hobs compatible with LPG gas. This lets you switch between various fuel sources, best hob uk so you'll be able to fit your needs. It's important to keep in mind that these hobs need to be installed by a gas safe registered engineer and will require a 6mm cable for your kitchen. They're not suitable for people who have pacemakers as the electromagnetic field could cause interference with them.
Hobs with induction
Under the glass surface of induction hobs are copper coils that run an electrical current that varies. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on a stove, the coils generate magnetic fields that generate heat directly in the pan rather than heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or a heated plate (electric). This makes induction hobs extremely efficient from an energy point of view because there's no leftover heat that is wasted.
There are a variety of models of induction hob starting from basic ones that have only one cooking zone marked by rings to more advanced multi-zoned hobs that can have up to six zones and allow you to cook multiple pots simultaneously on one flex zone. Certain models come with a touch-slider control that looks very similar to the way you operate an iPhone. You can select the desired temperature by swiping your finger from left to right over the power bar in the middle. Some models have pre-programmed 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 energy efficient over the long run. They heat up faster and have a smaller heating area which could reduce your energy costs. They also cool down quicker and feature a safer design without hot plates, making them perfect for families with young children or elderly persons who live in the house. They do, however, generate magnetic forces that can affect certain medical devices such as pacemakers. It is therefore crucial to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans with larger burners.
Like all electric hobs you'll have to keep your induction hob clean, since food particles and other debris can build up over time. You can use an oven cleaner, or opt for a specialist product to help keep your hob sparkling and in good order for longer. It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaning products or scratching pads on your induction stove since they could scratch the surface.