What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein which is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. It has been found that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory apparatus and is required to function properly in secretory cells.
In the British kitchen a hob is equivalent to cooking stove. Nigella often suggests putting an uncooked pot on the hob. The word has similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs make use of magnetism instead of direct heat to warm pans and pots. Underneath the cooktop's surface, there are coils through which an alternating electrical current flows through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, this creates a magnetic field which produces electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to touch and saves energy in comparison to gas or electric models.
Another benefit is that induction hobs are less dangerous than their traditional gas counterparts as there is no open flames to burn your fingers or cookware. They are great for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of hob is not hot, and can be easily cleaned using a damp rag.
The disadvantage of induction is that you require pans that work. You will need pans with a flat or even thick base made from ferrous metals such as cast iron or steel. In order to determine if these pans are induction compatible, you can apply a magnet to the base. If the magnet is able to stick then it's a suitable pan for your induction hob.
Ceramic hobs are also popular due to their elegant appearance and are available in many colours. They are quick to heat up, although they tend to use 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, and the majority of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds go for a top induction hob and oven such as this one from Hotpoint that comes with a full TFT screen to display your position of cookware and a control menu that will allow you to alter the power settings. It comes with four auto cooking modes to select from (boil melt, boil and slow cook) as well as an increase function to get faster results. It comes with locks that can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and comes with an indicator of residual heat and auto switch-off if you forget to turn off your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of propane or natural gas to heat its oven and burners, resulting in a faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling and sauteing, in addition to other cooking methods. Although it might not be as energy-efficient as an electric hob, a gas-powered one is generally less expensive to operate than an electric one.
Gas hobs are also dependant of electricity. This means they're able to continue to function even during power outages - albeit at a slower pace. It also has a lower risk of fire since the burners' heat is confined to the pans that they come into contact with. It's still important to keep any flammable items away from the flames and to follow safe cooking methods to avoid accidental fires.
Modern gas hobs are a combination of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models utilize an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or an electrical pilot flame to light the burner. They also come with control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output. Some come with a built-in timer which lets you set a specific cooking time.
Gas hobs are usually less expensive to purchase in the beginning than induction models, but the cost of running them will depend on the gas prices in your area. Certain gas hobs can be used with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is cheaper than natural gas.
Another disadvantage of a gas hob is that it requires more maintenance than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate greasy spills on the burner grates. You'll also need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design removes the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that could collect debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They use electric coils that generate heat under the cooking zone. Many models have residual heat indicators that let you know which areas were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This helps minimise accidents and is especially helpful in households with children. Some models also come with an overflow protection system that detects when a pan is boiling over and automatically shuts off the oven uk to stop spills.
The idea behind them is to make them elegant and stylish, induction hobs function by transferring an electric current through copper coils, which create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. Induction hobs are faster at boiling than gas hobs, and provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of cooktops are more expensive than traditional gas models and need to be installed by an experienced professional. Some come with a flat ceramic cooktop to give them a modern look. They also come with a variety of features, like timers and child locks, as well as auto shutoffs and built-in sensors for food.
A popular choice with customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best ovens of both worlds, providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to scratching, burning and stains. They come in a range of colors that fit in with your kitchen. Many have pre-installed panels and trims for a seamless look.
Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance, with the burner caps and grates having to be cleaned regularly and soaked in warm water to wash before re-assembling. They are also more susceptible to staining due to spills of liquid. They also heat up a little slower compared to other types of hobs, despite their high energy efficiency.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform any food preparation into a spectacular symphony of flavours. If you're planning to build your cooking arsenal from scratch or simply looking for an upgrade, we have a variety of hob models to suit your needs and budget.
The best hob uk hobs (just click for source) are stylish and durable, as well as easy to clean. They also come with a array of special features that allow you to cook like professional. Ceramic or induction and gas are the most well-known choices.
Ceramic hobs are energy efficient and easy to clean as they utilize electric heating elements that are placed on glass surfaces. They heat up quickly and control the temperature precisely, making them perfect for all kinds of cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators to 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 where it is needed. They are more efficient in heating than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and they provide excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs have been a traditional choice for a long time and are still preferred by many chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control, making them suitable for a range of cooking methods. They are also economical and can be used in most pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the grates and burners have nooks and crannies where dirt could hide.
Solid plate hobs have a good heat distribution and are long-lasting. They are perfect for everyday use. They are generally cheaper than induction or gas hobs and are ideal for when you have a limited space. They can be converted to make use of the bottled LPG and can be used with all kinds of pans. However, they may take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and aren't ideal for simmering. Modern ovens come with child locks as well as a variety of safety features that give you peace of mind.