A Guide to the Best Hobs in the UK
A hob is an oven that is distinct from the cooker. A cooker is freestanding and includes the hob as well as an oven.
The mischievous and perhaps malignant sprites of the countryside, Hobs were often combined with Goblin to give us the Hobgoblin.
Gas Hobs
In any modern kitchen, a good hob is a must. There's a range of hobs to fit every budget and style whether you're looking for ceramic or induction, or gas. A quality hob will heat quickly and evenly ovens and hobs allow you to cook food in no time. It also gives an elegant look to your kitchen.
The precise temperature control is among its most significant advantages. It's easy to reach high heat levels which is ideal for boiling water, searing meat and stir-frying vegetables. The ability to adjust heat output quickly is also useful for delicate dishes and sauces, that require a lower heat setting.
Gas hobs are also energy efficient. Gas is more affordable than electricity and can be used to power hobs. Additionally, it uses direct flames to heat the utensils, which means that there is less wasted energy around the edges of the burners.
Modern gas hobs are designed with a sleek appearance to complement any kitchen decor. There are models with a glossy black or stainless steel finish that will blend seamlessly into the decor and make your kitchen look more modern. Alternatively, you can choose a glass model that is easy to clean and is extremely durable.
Gas hobs are a common option for modern kitchens due to of their versatility and user-friendly. They can also complement traditional kitchen designs, particularly when you include a range cooker into the layout. However, it's important to keep in mind that they could increase the risk of fire when compared with electric or induction hobs. This is due to the fact that they lack the added safety features like being able to be switched off instantly and also having child-safety locks on the knobs that control the hob.
When choosing gas hobs it is important to consider the number of burners and cooking zones you require. You can find models with one, two or five cooking zones. A lot of models also have a central wok burner, which is a powerful burner that can be used for quick boiling or stir-frying. Find out the type of ignition that is used. Most gas hobs use an electric spark or a continuous electric pilot flame to ignite the burners.
Induction Hobs
While gas hobs are still popular with home cooks Induction cookers are growing in popularity due to their speed and efficiency. These flat glass-topped hobs use magnetism to heat the contents of the pan rather than heating the surface area, which makes them more efficient and safer since there is no flame underneath. Induction hobs have various features, some of which our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have found to be extremely useful.
One of them is a bridge function that allows you to join two hob rings to make room for larger pans. You can also choose to control the temperature of each ring separately by using the touchscreen panel. This is a good option for those who enjoy entertaining ovens and hobs can be lifesaver if you have guests with different food preferences. It is important to note that induction hobs aren't suitable for those with pacemakers as they generate electromagnetic fields which can disrupt their operation.
The British Heart Foundation recommends a minimum of 60cm separation between a power source and any active hob, if you're wearing a pacemaker. The magnetic field generated by the hob can cause some electrical devices to malfunction. Make sure the device isn't in the vicinity of hot cookers or hot plate zones.
This model from CDA is another induction hob that we provide. It has five zones and various functions, such as melt and simmer, which are great for bain-maries or slow-cooked stews. This hb is also designed with safety in mind. It has child locks, anti-overflow and overheat settings.
The design of this induction hob is more modern than other models available. This is reflected in the sleek black surface which is compatible with most kitchen designs. It comes with a variety of options such as a pause feature that lets you turn off the stove without removing the pan and a boost feature which gives extra power for a quick heat-up. It is also energy-efficient, and the touch-screen includes a variety of recipes that are pre-set to help you choose your favourite recipes.
LPG Hobs
Gas hobs can be controlled to heat instantly, with the ability to reach far higher temperatures than electric cooktops. Gas hobs are a favorite in commercial and domestic kitchens. They can be used to cook leftovers or create culinary masterpieces.
Our selection of LPG gas hobs include various widths from 60cm comprising 4 burners to 90cm which comprises five or six burners. Many of these hobs are also compatible with natural gas using a an easy conversion kit which makes them the ideal solution for homes with existing mains connections.
All our gas hobs are manufactured by brands you trust including Falcon, Imperial and Lincat with models available in a variety of finishes. From stainless steel to black glass, you're sure to find a model that will suit your home and match the other kitchen appliances.
There are many features to take into consideration when selecting gas hobs, with some models that feature automatic pan detection to provide security. They permit the cooking zones to only be activated when the required cookware is in place, preventing the heat from being wasted. Some hobs also feature adjustable cooking zones that can accommodate various sizes of pans. Some hobs have child locks to keep unintentional fingers away from the controls. Some have an auto switch off feature that shuts the hob off if it is not utilized for a specified amount of time.
LPG is also more readily available than electricity in rural areas, where electricity can be difficult to find. The fact that it's a liquid means it can be stored easily and transported which makes it a popular option for those who live in remote areas or catering establishments who don't have access mains gas.
Our selection of gas hobs provides a variety of options, with a few of our models offering quick boiling times of less than five minutes. They are perfect for making pastas, potatoes, and other favourites when time is at a premium. Many of our hobs come equipped with flat cast iron pan supports for durability as well as a flame failure safety feature that ensures that the flame doesn't go out.
Contact Us
The right hob can make all the difference when cooking with family or friends. Our team of kitchen experts will guide you through the four most popular models, helping you to identify the cooker hob which is best suited to your lifestyle and cooking habits.
Gas hobs offer excellent precision and control, with a variety of different styles available with 4 to 6 burners. You can also find models which can be converted to use LPG which is a safer and more affordable fuel. Our selection includes all the major brands in a range of colours and finishes that will match your kitchen style.
The word hob is an ancient English term, originally meaning "a grate or shelf by a fire'. It's an old term that describes the way we cooked at home in the past with large fireplaces and separate shelves for pots. Nowadays, kitchens are fitted with ovens ovens and hobs uk an additional stove top (hob) that can be either electric or gas-powered.
Some countries refer to the stove as a cooker, however the British refer to it as a hob. Hobs are a separate piece of equipment that has heating rings to heat saucepans and cookware, while a cooker is a larger freestanding unit comprising both a hob and an oven. A range cooker is an oven and a hob which are usually incorporated into a single unit. More information about the affected gas hobs along with hazard descriptions as well as the product's identifiers can be found on the Product Safety Report pages linked to above.