Types of Hobs
A hob, which is also known as a stovetop in North America, is a cooking appliance that heats pans by using electric or flames. There are a variety of hobs, so you can choose one that is best suited to your preferences and kitchen.
Induction hobs are equipped with an elongated ceramic surface and four or five zones to heat your pans. The contemporary designs that operate with a touch are sleek and elegant and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. The flat glass-ceramic surfaces can be easy to clean and can easily be cleaned up if spills or splatters occur. They heat up quickly and are energy efficient which means they can cut down on the cost of electricity. However, one drawback of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow to adjust temperatures and can be a hassle when cooking food that requires immediate reduction or increase in temperature.
Electric hobs are comprised of a solid surface that is heated from below by electric elements. The power of each element can be adjusted individually via rotary knobs. You can also use the 'boost' feature to increase the temperature of a single area. Ceramic hobs also have a extremely high degree of heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch after being shut off. This could be a problem if you have children, ovens so it's best to only install them in a place that is well away from flammable objects and away from little ones.
The advantage of this type of hob is that it can be installed on a variety worktops such as laminate, solid wood and granite. It is also relatively affordable and is a great option if you're looking to replace your old hobs Oven without spending a lot of money. But, as with all appliances, they must be installed correctly and connected to the mains, so we would recommend hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure that your new hobs are safe for use.
This type of hob is sensitive to pan sizes and shapes. You will need to purchase cookware that either matches the element precisely or fits comfortably in all of the heating zones. If the cookware doesn't match, then the element won't recognize it and won't begin to heat the base of the pan. This could result in inconsistent cooking results ovens and hobs make the hob less energy efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Gas on glass hobs offer modern, sleek design. They are more expensive than electric models and could require professional installation. However they heat up faster - a full pot of water will typically boil in less than 4 minutes. This kind of stove is also a great choice for cooks who want to regulate the amount of heat being generated. However, it should be noted that a glass hob can be more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel models and will require cleaning more frequently, as the build-up of grease and residue tends to stay on the surface instead of sliding off.
This Bertazzoni hob is a fantastic example of gas on glass. It comes with four monobloc burners that are matte black with metal control knobs for a stylish, Best Hob Uk sophisticated appearance. The wok ring has a power of 4kW to allow for more versatility and the pan supports are dishwasher-safe.
This Bosch gas hob is another highly recommended model. It combines a fashionable piece of toughened glass with modern cooking technology. The dual rings to the left of the hob has a double inner flame to promote improvement in even heat distribution and speeds up cooking times. It also has a handy power level indicator, which allows you to control the exact temperature of your flame. You can select from nine preset settings, such as the highest setting for sear steaks and a lower one for scrambled eggs.
Its simple yet easy-to-use controls were also loved by our test subjects who found them to be very easy to use. There are a few minor disadvantages, for instance, you must press the controls nine more times before reaching the maximum heating level and that the glass can make it difficult to discern the burners' actions.
This Neff model is among the best gas-on-glass hobs that are available at a low cost. It's not going win any design prizes but it'll do the job and can be a great addition to your kitchen for just above 120 pounds.
Electric hobs
There are many electric hobs that work for modern households. They're not just elegant and stylish, but also faster, safer and more efficient than their predecessors.
One of the most well-known electric hobs is the ceramic glass hob. They are designed with an elegant glazed finish and feature an easy surface to clean and resistant to scratches. These hobs are also fitted with a power booster feature which allows you to boost the heat for a short duration.
Induction hobs are yet another electric hob perfect for modern homes. Induction hobs cook your food directly by using electromagnetic fields, unlike traditional electric plates and gas stoves. They are therefore more energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. They require a specific type of pan and could be expensive to put in.
Glass hobs with gas are another great option for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under an unidirectional glass layer similar to a standard gas stove. However, this glass is heatproof and shatterproof, so it's easier to clean than tempered glass. Many of these hobs also come with a 'hot surface indicator', which alerts you when the hob is heated.
Although gas hobs are an option that is popular with home cooks, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They also take time to warm up and cool down, and their flame can be hard to manage. However electric hobs are efficient in energy use and easier to clean.
There are even electric stoves that are compatible LPG gas. This allows you to switch between different fuel sources, meaning you'll be able to fit your needs. It is important to note, however, that these hobs will need to be installed by a registered gas safe engineer and will require an appropriate cable of 6mm to be installed in your kitchen. They're not suitable for people with pacemakers, since the electromagnetic field can interfere with them.
Induction hobs
Copper coils conduct an alternating electric current under the glass surface of an induction hob. When an induction-compatible plate is placed on the hob, the coils create magnetic fields that direct heat the pan, rather than heating a surface of the worktop or a heated plate. Induction hobs are energy efficient, as they don't squander heat.
There are many different models of induction hobs, from basic entry level models that have a single cooking zone marked by rings to more advanced multi-zoned hobs that have up to six zones and allow you to cook multiple pots simultaneously on one flexible zone. Certain models have a touch slider control that is very similar to the way you operate on 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 preset settings that are specific to food items or recipes which can help you save time in the kitchen.
Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs, but they are thought to be more efficient in the long run since they heat up faster and have a smaller surface to heat up, which can help you save on energy bills. They also cool down quicker and feature a safer design with no hot plates, which makes them perfect for families with children or elderly people living in the home. However, they do generate magnetic forces that can affect certain medical devices, such as pacemakers. It is therefore important to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans with larger burners.
As with all electric hobs you will have to clean your induction hob on a regular basis, as food particles and other debris may build up over time. You can use a standard oven cleaner, or you can purchase a specialist cleaner to keep your hob shiny and in good condition for longer. Be sure to not use scrubbers or pads to scour your induction hob as they can scratch the surface.