A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is fitted into an opening in the worktop. It can be either electric or gas, and include up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance.
The market is flooded with smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems, and also offer customization options. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Induction hobs
Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, as opposed to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a suitable pot is placed in the cooking area, the coils create an electric force that interacts with the metal inside the pot, generating electrical currents and heat. This process makes induction hobs much more efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hob types.
Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. The top of the appliance features an all-TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently being used, and what power setting you have chosen. The control panel can be secured to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs feature a boost feature that can increase the power of the cooking zone for a short time. This is useful to quickly bring boiling water to a boil, or heating a pan to sear.
Many induction hobs are frameless, with the glass ceramic surface that is seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They typically come in black, but some have other colors that complement your kitchen decor. They also come with simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.
To maximize the performance of your induction cooktop, you'll require cookware that is compatible with induction. If you want to know whether a particular pan can work on an induction stove, run a magnet over its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. To prevent over-use of energy, many induction hobs feature pan detection that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is present.
Induction hobs are a great choice for shared homes or student accommodation as they do not feature an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. However, they do produce a humming or ticking noise in operation, which may irritate some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob and oven makes use of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that cookware is heated which makes it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control and are also faster to heat up than other electric alternatives, such as ceramic hobs. They can be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands needing to be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
Modern gas hobs are equipped with electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the process of combustion. They then use electrical components like switches and sensors to control the gas flow through the system and to make sure that the burners operate properly. The burners can also include numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output.
Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs have anywhere from one to six burners. When choosing the number of burners, think about the size of the pans that you will be using. You'll have to ensure that there are enough for the cookware that you'll use. If you frequently stir-fry then you should choose a model with a dedicated wok burner. Some models also have griddle elements that are built-in to cook up an easy and delicious breakfast or lunch.
The cost of running a gas hob should be a key factor when deciding on one. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, however operating costs can vary widely according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply and ventilation. This can lead to higher installation costs than an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances into one unit which saves space while giving your kitchen a more sleek appearance. They draw smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the hob and oven's surface, allowing them to work more effectively than traditional hoods since they're able to capture steam at the cooking level instead of let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
A portable hob is a great option if you're looking to increase the space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also carry them with you if you need to cook somewhere else. These are also useful for those who want to revamp your kitchen, or if you need more space for your hob during busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both home and professional kitchens due to their speed, safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They operate by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil, which warms the pan you put on top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with a gas or electric hob that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling best hob uk features two cooking zones as well as a double rings, which means it can be used with many different pots and pans. Its intuitive interface, great heat distribution and the ability to change the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among test subjects. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be frustrating for those in a hurry.
If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth a look. It's thin and light and is less than half the size as some of the other models on our list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears elegant and is easier to wipe clean than the shiny finishes on other Best Hobs Uk.
It's important to remember that while these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and can cause burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where people could fall over it. A lot of models come with a child-lock, which can be useful if you have children.