Types of Hobs
A hob, also known as stovetop in North America, is a cooking appliance that heats pans using electric or flames. There are several different types of hobs, so you can pick one that is best hob uk suited to your preferences and kitchen.
Induction hobs are equipped with flat ceramic surfaces and either four or five zones to heat your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and stylish, and easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs offer modern and sleek design which can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. They have a flat glass ceramic surface that is easy to clean, which means spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. They are quick to heat up and are energy-efficient, which can reduce your electricity bill. Ceramic hobs can be slow in changing temperature settings. This can be frustrating when you are cooking something that requires a rapid reduction or increase of temperature.
Electric hobs are made up of a solid surface which is heated from below by electric elements. The elements can be controlled separately with rotary knobs, and then tacked to the power level you require. You can also use the 'boost' feature to increase the temperature of a single area. Ceramic hobs also have a very high heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch after being shut off. It's important to install ceramic hobs in a location that is far from items that could ignite best ovens and hobs uk away from children's reach.
This type of hob can be used on a variety of worktops, including laminate or solid hardwood, as well as granite. It's also reasonably priced and is an excellent option for those looking to replace your previous hobs without spending too much money. Like all appliances, they need to be installed correctly and connected to the mains. We recommend hiring an electrician to ensure that the new hobs are safe to use.
This type of hob is sensitive to the pan's size and shape. You'll need cookware that's the exact size as the element or that can fit comfortably into each heating zone on the hob. If the cookware is not the same size as the element, the element won't recognize it and will not heat the bottom of the pan. This can cause uneven cooking and make the stove less efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Gas on glass hobs have a sleek and modern appearance. While they can be more expensive than electric models and require professional installation, they typically require less time to heat up. It's not unusual for a full pan of water to come to a boil within four minutes or less. This type of hob also works well for cooks who wish to control the amount of heat that is produced. However, it must be noted that a glass hob and oven can be more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel models and may require cleaning more often, since the accumulation of grease and residue tends to stick rather than slide off.
This Bertazzoni hob is a great example of gas on glass. It comes with four monobloc burners finished in matt black with metal control knobs for a stylish, sophisticated finish. 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 a highly recommended model. It combines a stylish piece of toughened glass with advanced cooking technology. The dual ring design at the left side of the gas hob features an inner burner that doubles to improve the distribution of heat and speed up cooking. It also has a handy power level indicator, which helps to regulate the exact temperature of the flame. You can choose between nine pre-set settings, like a high setting to sear steaks and a low one for scrambled eggs.
Our testers also liked the controls as they were simple and easy to use. Some minor issues include the fact that you have to physically press the controls nine times before you can reach the highest heating level and it can be difficult to discern the state of the burners through the glass.
A few of the top gas on glass hobs can be found at affordable prices, such as this Neff model. It's not going win any design awards, but it will perform the task and be an excellent addition to your kitchen at just over 120 dollars.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a great choice for modern homes. Not only do they offer a sleek design that fits in with the rest of your kitchen, but they also provide modern technology that is safer, more efficient and energy-efficient than their predecessors.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most sought-after electric stoves. These hobs have sleek glazed finishes, and have an exterior that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. These hobs also come with a power booster feature which allows you to boost the heat for a brief time.
Induction hobs are a different electric hob that is ideal for modern homes. In contrast to traditional electric and gas plate hobs that use electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware. This means they are more energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. However, they require a specific type of pan to work and can be expensive to install.
Glass hobs with gas are a great alternative for modern homes. Similar to a conventional gas hob, it comes with an oven that is surrounded by a layer of flat glass. The glass is heatproof as well as shatterproof, making it easier to clean than tempering glass. Many of these hobs also come with a 'hot surface indicator', which informs you when the oven is hot.
While gas hobs remain a popular option for many home cooks however, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They also take a while to warm up and cool down and their flames can be hard to manage. In contrast, electric hobs are more energy-efficient and simpler to clean.
For the highest level of modern technology You can also find electric hobs compatible with LPG gas. You can switch between a variety of fuels, allowing you the flexibility needed to meet your needs. It is important to note, however, that these hobs need to be installed by an accredited gas safe engineer. They also require a dedicated cable of 6mm to be installed in your kitchen. They're not suitable for people who have pacemakers, since the electromagnetic field can cause interference with them.
Induction hobs
Under the glass surface of induction hobs are copper coils that generate an electrical current that varies. When an induction-compatible dish is placed on a hob, the coils create magnetic fields that produce heat directly in the pan instead of heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or an insulated plate (electric). Induction hobs are very energy efficient, as they don't squander heat.
There are many different models of an induction hob, from basic entry level ones with only one cooking zone with rings to more advanced multi-zoned hobs that have up to six zones, allowing the cooking of multiple pots simultaneously in one flex zone. Some of these premium models come with an adjustable slider control similar to the iPhone. Simply swipe your finger across the power bar located in the middle to select the desired heat level left to right increases the heat and right to left decreases it. Some models have pre-programmed settings for certain recipes or food types that can help you save time and effort in the kitchen.
Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs, however they are considered to be more efficient in the long run since they heat up quicker and have a smaller area to heat up, which can help lower your energy costs. They cool faster, and they 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. They do, however, create an electric force that could affect certain medical devices like pacemakers. It is therefore important to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans on bigger burners.
As with all electric hobs, you'll need to keep your electric hob clean as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use a standard oven cleaner, or you can opt for a specialist product to help keep your hob sparkling and in good order for longer. It is not recommended to use any abrasive cleaning product or a scouring pad on your stove, as they can scratch the surface.