What is a Hob?

Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It has been found that it regulates the production of insulin by Drosophila cells. It is a component of the secretory apparatus and is essential for professional secretory cell function.

In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop, or stove top. Nigella often suggests that you place an uncooked pot on the hob. The word is used with similar meaning in North America.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs make use of magnetism rather than direct heat to warm pans and pots. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils that an alternating electrical current runs through, and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, this creates a magnetic field that produces electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to touch and saves energy in comparison to gas or electric models.

Induction hobs also have a benefit that they are more secure than gas hobs made of traditional materials. There is no open flame which could cause burns to your hands or cookware. They are great for student halls or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is the top priority. This kind of hob is also easy to clean since the smooth glass-ceramic cooktop surface isn't hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.

Induction requires special pans. You will need pans with a flat, even thick base made from ferrous metals such as cast iron or steel. In order to determine if the pans are induction-compatible, you should use a magnet along the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it is a good pan for your induction cooker.

Ceramic hobs are also popular because they have a modern appearance and are available in a variety of colours. They are easy to heat up, although they do tend to utilise more energy than induction hobs, because they heat up the entire glass-ceramic surface. The smooth surface of the cooktop can be cleaned using a soft cloth. Most have lids that are dishwasher safe.

If you want the best ovens of both worlds, opt for a premium induction cooker like this one from Hotpoint, which has a full TFT screen to show the cookware's position and a menu for control that'll let you change the settings for the power. It comes with four auto-cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) and an extra-quick boost option. It comes with locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. It also has an indicator for residual temperature and an auto-shutdown if you forget to turn off your stove.

Gas hobs

A gas hob makes use of natural gas or propane to heat its burners and oven which results in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling, sauteing, as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally more affordable to run than electric ones, even though they may not be as efficient as electric hobs.

Additionally, a gas hob's heat source is not dependent on electricity, so it will continue to function even during power outages, albeit at a lower speed. It also has a lower chance of fire because the heat from the burners is confined to the pans they're in contact with. It's still important to keep flammable materials away from the flames and to follow safe cooking methods to prevent accidental fires.

Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate ignition, flame output and safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. They also have control knobs for adjusting the flame intensity and the output of heat. Many come with a timer that allows you to set an exact time for cooking.

Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is generally less than that of an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas rates. Certain gas hobs can be used with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be cheaper than natural gas.

Another disadvantage of a gas hob is that it requires more maintenance than electric ones. The burner grates are more likely to attract greasy spills, and you'll need to clean the flat rimless cooking surface more often to prevent food debris from getting trapped in crevices. Luckily, certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron grates which can be removed for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils which can collect debris.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs heat quickly and are easy to clean. They use electric coils that generate heat beneath the cooking zone. Many models come with residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This is especially useful for homes with children. Certain models also have overflow protection, which recognizes when the pot is boiling and switches off the stove to prevent spillage.

Designed to be elegant and stylish, induction hobs work by transferring an electric current through copper coils that create a magnetic field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them more efficient to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.

These hobs are more expensive and require professional installation. Some are equipped with an elongated glass ceramic cooktops, giving them a modern look. They also come with many features like timers or child locks, auto shutoff, and built-in food sensors.

Electric ceramic hobs are a favorite among users. They have an easy-to-clean, smooth surface that is also resistant to stains, burns and scratches. These models are also available in a wide variety of colours to complement the kitchen decor. Many come with pre-installed panels and trims to create an uni-directional finish.

Similar to induction hobs these models require regular maintenance, with the burner caps and grates having to be removed regularly and then soaked in warm water to clean before reassembling. These hobs are also more susceptible to staining because of spills of liquid. They also heat up a bit slower than other kinds of hobs, yet they have a high energy efficiency.

The most delicious hobs

Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can turn any food preparation into a symphony. Whether you are curating your cooking arsenal anew or simply looking for an upgrade, we have a variety of hob models that will meet your requirements and budget.

The most elegant hobs are stylish and durable, as well as easy to clean. They also offer a wide array of special features that let you cook like a pro. The most popular options include gas, induction, and ceramic.

Ceramic hobs employ heating elements that are electric and placed on a glass surface to transfer heat directly to your cookware making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They heat quickly and control the temperature precisely, making them perfect for all types cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators that warn you if your glass surface is still warm.

Induction best hobs uk create a magnetic field that allows heat to be produced where it is needed. They are much faster to heat up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and offer excellent efficiency, and no loss of heat that is not needed by the rest of the hob.

Gas hobs have been a popular option for many years and are still preferred by many chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control. This makes them ideal for many cooking techniques. They are also economical and can be used in all pans. They aren't easy to clean because the burners and grates are susceptible to having crevices and nooks in which dirt can get.

Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, offering an excellent heat distribution for everyday use. They tend to be less expensive than induction or gas hobs and are ideal for when you have a limited space. Some of them can be converted for use with the bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. However, they may take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. Modern hobs have child locks as well as a variety of safety features to provide you with peace of mind.