A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance for kitchens that fits 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 modern design.

The market is flooded with smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also want to lower energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Hobs with induction

Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most sought-after options for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current runs through. When a compatible pot is placed in the cooking surface the coils generate magnetic forces that interact with metal in the pot, generating electrical currents and heat. This makes induction hobs energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hob types.

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance is an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use, and the power setting that you have selected. The control panel may also be locked to prevent accidental use of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that can increase the power of the cooking area for a short period of time. This feature is helpful to quickly bring boiling water to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.

A lot of induction hobs feature an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly incorporated into the countertop. Induction hobs can be found in other colours to match the decor of your kitchen. They often also have minimalist, sleek controls that have indicator lights that indicate the power level and other functions.

To maximize the performance of your induction cooktop, you'll need to use induction-compatible cookware. The Best Hobs Uk method to determine whether a pot is compatible is to place a magnet across its base; if the magnet is able to stick it's safe for use it on an induction cooker. Many induction hobs feature pan detection to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when an appropriate pan or pans are in use.

Induction hobs are ideal for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame, and are safer than gas models. They can produce a humming sound or ticking sound when they are in use, which can be annoying to some people.

Gas hobs

A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are faster to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options like ceramic hobs. They can be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands that need to be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the combustion process. Then, they use electrical components like sensors and switches to regulate the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners work properly. They could also include various control knobs for adjusting the flame intensity and heat output.

Based on the model you choose, gas ovens hobs include anything from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when choosing the number, as you'll want to make sure there are enough burners to accommodate all cookware you intend to use. If you frequently stir-fry then you should choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models have griddles integrated, so you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.

A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However, operating costs may be different depending on the local gas rates and usage. It's important to keep in that a gas-powered hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which can increase the cost of installation over an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs are a great method of combining two appliances into a single unit, saving space in your kitchen while giving a more sleek appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct on the surface of the hob, allowing them to work much more effectively than traditional hoods since they can capture steam at cooking level instead of let it rise and escape into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

If you require more hob uk space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outdoors an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a great choice. These are designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're a breeze to use and take with you when you have to cook in another location. They can also be useful in the event that you're planning to renovate your kitchen or simply need some extra hob space to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are getting more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current which flows through a magnetic coil, which then heats the pan you put on the top. There isn't any wasted heat like there would be with a gas or electric hob. This can save you money.

This Belling hob has two cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with a variety of saucepans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the ability to change the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among testers. The only drawback was that it took over 12 minutes to boil a litre of water, which can be a hassle for those who are pressed for time.

If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth having a glance. It's thin and light - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list - which makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more premium and is more easy to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish.

These hobs can be a practical, smaller alternative to the larger ones, but they are still hot and can cause serious burns. For this reason, we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it far away from children and away from areas where people could slip over it. A lot of models come with a child-lock that can be a useful feature when you have children.