A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is a cutout on the worktop. It can be gas or electric and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has modern design.

Smart hobs that allow for customization and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs, which are sleek and efficient, are a popular option for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction stoves employ electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils which an alternating current flows through. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking area the coils create an electric field that interacts with the metal within the pan, generating electrical currents, and producing heat. This makes induction hobs much more efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs also come with an improved user-friendly design. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the oven with hob, with an easy-to-read display of what cooking equipment is in use and the power setting being selected. The control panel can be locked to avoid accidental button pushing and many induction hobs include a boost function that increases the power of a cooking zone for a brief time period to bring the boiling water to cook in a pan to searing.

A lot of induction hobs are frameless, with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in different colours to complement your kitchen's decor. These units also come with minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.

To get the most from your induction cooker, you'll need to use induction-compatible cookware. The Best hob method to determine if a pan is induction compatible is to place 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 the majority of induction hobs have pan detection that only activates the coils if a suitable pan is in place.

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

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are ideal for cooking with a variety of techniques. They provide precise temperature control, and are faster to heat up than other electric alternatives, like 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 thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They use electrical components, including sensors and switches to control the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners work properly. The burners may also have several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.

Gas hobs come in a variety of models, ranging from one to six burners. When choosing the number of burners, consider the size of the pans you will be using. You'll need to make sure there are enough to accommodate the cookware you'll use. If you often stir-fry make sure you choose a pan that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models also come with griddle elements that are built-in, so you can cook up a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.

The cost of operating a gas hob should be a key factor when selecting one. Gas best hobs typically have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs. However, operating costs can differ greatly dependent on the local gas rates oven and hob usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in mind that a gas hob requires access to natural gas supplies and ventilation, which can increase the cost of installation over an electric or induction hob.

Vented ovens hobs integrate two appliances into one which saves space while giving your kitchen a more sleek look. They pull smoke and steam through a duct on the hob's surface, allowing them to work more efficient than traditional hoods because they can capture steam at cooking level instead of let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

If you require more hob space in your kitchen, or you want to take your cooking outdoors, a portable hob can be a great choice. These are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're a breeze to use and carry with you when you want to cook elsewhere. They can also be useful when you're remodeling your kitchen or just need an extra space on your hob to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular, both in kitchens that are used for professional or home use, because they are quick safe, efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil, which heats up the pan you put on the top. This means that there isn't any wasted heat' as with an electric or gas hob which helps keep your bills down.

This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and a double ring design so can be used for various pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution mean it was the most popular choice for testers, who even liked the capability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only downside is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to come to a boil, which can be a hassle for those who are in a hurry.

If you're looking for a more compact option, this Smeg model might be worth a take a look. It is light and thin and is less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it easy to put away when not in use. The brushed finish appears more premium and is easier to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.

It's important to note that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones but they're still extremely hot and could cause burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible placement, with the plug far away from children and away from areas where people might trip over it. Many models have a child-lock which is an excellent feature for parents with children.