What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It has also been discovered to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory system, and is necessary for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen a hob is the same as the cooktop. Nigella often suggests that you place a pot on the hob. The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs heat pots and pans using magnetism, rather than direct heating. Underneath the cooktop's surface are coils that an electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pot is placed on the top of the cooktop this creates a magnetic field that produces electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to feel and uses less energy when in comparison to gas or electric models.
Another benefit is that induction hobs are more secure than traditional gas models as there is no open flames to harm your fingers or cookware. They are perfect for student halls and iQ Student Accommodation flats where security is a top priority. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of hob will not get hot and is easy to clean with a damp rag.
The disadvantage of induction is that you need specific pans that can be used. It is necessary to have a thick, flat base composed of ferrous metals like steel and cast iron. They must be compatible with induction and a good way to determine this is by running an iron rod across the base. If the magnet sticks, it is a suitable pan for your induction hob.
Other popular choices are ceramic hobs, which have a sleek finish and come in a range of colours. They are easy to heat up, however they tend to use more energy than induction hobs, because they heat up the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to clean too, as the cooktop's smooth surface can be wiped with a cloth and most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking to get the best ovens and hobs of both worlds then opt for an induction hob equipped with a TFT monitor that shows the position of your cookware, and a control panel to adjust the power settings. It offers four automatic cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) as well as an extra-quick boost function. It comes with locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. It also features a residual temperature indicator and an auto-shutdown if you forget to turn off your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses propane or natural gas to heat its burners and oven, resulting in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it perfect for cooking, frying, and sauteing, as well as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally more affordable to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they may not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Gas hobs are also independent of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages - albeit at a slower rate. It also has a lower risk of fire because the heat from the burners is restricted to the pans that they come into contact with. To prevent fires, it's important to keep any flammable objects away from the flames.
Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. They also feature control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and the output of heat. Some also have a timer that lets you to set an exact cooking duration.
Gas hobs are typically cheaper to buy upfront than models with induction, however the cost of running them will depend on the gas prices in your area. Some gas hobs are compatible with LPG, which is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be less expensive than natural gas.
Another disadvantage of a gas-powered hob is that it requires more maintenance than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate oily spills that get deposited on the burner grates. It is also necessary to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residues from building up. Fortunately, some brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron grates that can be taken off for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They use electric coils that generate heat below the cooking area. A lot of models have residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were recently used and are too hot to touch or clean. This reduces the risk of accidents and is especially useful for households with children. Certain models are also equipped with an overflow protection system that detects when a pan is boiling and automatically shuts off the oven to prevent spillage.
Induction hobs are sleek and stylish. They operate by passing a flow of electric current through copper coils to create a magnetic field which heats the bottoms of compatible induction cookware. Induction hobs are faster at boiling than gas hobs, and provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
These are more expensive and require a professional installation. A lot of them come with a flat glass cooktops for a contemporary look and offer an array of features, such as child locks and timers, auto shut off and built-in sensors for food preparation.
Electric ceramic hobs are a popular choice among consumers. They have an easy-to-clean, smooth surface, which is also resistant to stains, burns, and scratches. They are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen's design. Some come with pre-installed panels and trims to create an uni-directional finish.
These models, as well as induction hobs, require regular maintenance. The burner caps and grates need to be removed and cleaned in warm water before the reassembling. These hobs are also more prone to staining because of liquid spillages. They also heat up a bit slower compared to other types of hobs, yet they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen component that transform any food preparation into a spectacular music of flavours. If you're looking to create your cooking arsenal anew or just looking for an upgrade, we offer various hob styles to meet your needs and budget.
The most stylish hobs are sleek, durable and easy to clean. They also offer a wide variety of specialist features that let you cook like professional. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most sought-after choices.
Ceramic hobs use electric heating elements under glass surfaces to transfer heat directly to your cookware, making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They heat quickly and control the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all kinds of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that warn you when the glass surface is still hot.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated where it is required. They heat up faster than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs and provide excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs are a more conventional choice and are favored by many professional chefs. They heat up quickly and offer instant heat control. This makes them suitable for many cooking techniques. They are also cost-effective to run and work with a wide range of pans. They aren't easy to clean however, because the grates and burners are susceptible to having crevices and nooks where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are strong and durable, delivering a good level of heat distribution for everyday use. They are usually cheaper than induction and gas hobs and are great for those with limited space. Some of them can be used with bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. However, they can take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and aren't suitable for simmering. Modern ovens and hobs come with child locks, along with a range of safety features to give you peace of mind.