A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is a kitchen appliance that fits inside the cutout of a worktop. It can be electric or gas and can have one to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.

Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are appealing to consumers. They also want to cut down on energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Hobs with induction

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

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. A full TFT display on the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob with an obvious indication of which cookware is in use and the power setting being used. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental use of buttons. Many induction hobs feature a boost feature that can increase the power of the cooking zone for a brief period of time. This feature is helpful to speedily bring the water in a pot to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.

A lot of induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface that is seamlessly integrated into your countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in different colours to complement your kitchen's decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls that have indicator lights to indicate the level of power and other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction hob, you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. The Best Hob way to determine whether a pan is compatible is to run a magnet across its base; if the magnet sticks, it's safe to use on an induction hob. To ensure that you don't overuse energy Induction hobs often have pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.

Induction hobs are a great choice for shared homes or student housing since they don't contain an open flame and are safer than gas models. However, they can produce a humming or ticking noise during operation that can disturb certain people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or propane gas that has been liquefied to heat your cookware. They are ideal for a variety of cooking methods. They are precise in temperature control and are also quicker to heat up than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Modern gas hobs are equipped with electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the combustion process. They then use electrical components, such as switches and sensors, to control the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners work properly. The burners can also include numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.

Gas hobs are available in various models, with one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when deciding this number, since you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you often do stir-frys then you should choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models also come with griddle elements built in, so you can cook up a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs typically come with lower initial costs than induction hobs. However, operating costs can vary widely depending on your local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply and ventilation. This could result in higher installation costs than an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs are a great option to combine two appliances into a single unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They remove steam and smoke through a duct located on the stove's surface which allows for more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

If you require more hob space in your kitchen, or you want to cook outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a great option. They are designed to connect to your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also bring them with you when you need to cook elsewhere. They are also useful in the event that you're planning to renovate your kitchen or simply require some extra hob space for busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electric current flowing through it, which heats the pan that you place on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with an electric or gas hob that can help keep your bills down.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with various pots and saucepans. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the ability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among testers. The only downside is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to boil, which can be frustrating for those in a hurry.

If you're looking for a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth a look. It's light and thin with less than half the size of some of the other models on our list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears like a premium finish oven and hob is easier to wipe clean than the more shiny finishes on other hobs.

It's important to keep in mind that while these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and could cause burns. This is why we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it away from children and away from areas where people could trip over it. Many models also have an option for children's locks, which is a useful feature to think about for parents with children.