A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance for kitchens that is an opening in the worktop. It can be either gas or electric and include up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.

Consumers are interested in smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and offer the possibility of customization. They also want to cut down on the amount of energy used and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most sought-after options for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, as opposed to gas and electric models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware directly employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils which an alternating current flows through. When a pan that is compatible is placed in the cooking zone, the coils automatically create an electric field that interacts with the metal in the pan, generating electrical currents and creating heat. This process makes induction hobs much more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. A full TFT display on the top of the cooker can be used to control the oven and hob, with an easy-to-read display of what cookware is being used and what power setting is being used. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs feature a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking zone for a brief period of time. This feature is helpful to speedily bring boiling water to a boil or warming a pan to cook.

Many induction ovens hobs have an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They typically come in black, however some come with other colors that match your kitchen decor. They often also have minimalist, sleek controls that have indicators lights to show the power level and other functions.

To make the most of an induction hob you'll need to invest in induction-compatible cookware. If you're trying to determine whether a particular pan can work on an induction stove, place a magnet across its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. To prevent over-use of energy the majority of induction hobs have pan detection systems that only activates the coils if a suitable pan is present.

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. They can make a humming or ticking sound when in use, which can be a nuisance for some.

Gas hobs

A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are precise in temperature control and are faster to heat up than other electric alternatives, such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean with burner caps and wok stand needing to be removed regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They then make use of electrical components, such as sensors and switches to regulate the flow of gas through the system and make sure that the burners work correctly. They may also have various control knobs that can be used to alter the intensity of the flame and the output of heat.

Gas hobs come in a variety of models, with a range of one to six burners. Be aware of the size of your pots when choosing this number, as you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you frequently stir-fry make sure you choose a pan that comes with a separate wok burn. Some models have griddle elements integrated, so you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.

A major consideration when choosing a gas hob is the cost of running it. Gas hobs typically come with lower initial costs than induction hobs, however the operating cost can be a bit different dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, and ventilation. This could result in higher costs for installation than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a great option to combine two appliances into one unit, reducing space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker appearance. They extract smoke and steam through a duct located on the surface of the stove which allows for more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

If you're looking for more hob space in your kitchen, or want to take your cooking outdoors the kitchen, a portable hob could be a good option. These are designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug in, which means they're easy to use and can be carried with you when you want to cook somewhere else. They are also useful if you're renovating your kitchen or simply need an extra space on your hob to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both residential and commercial kitchens because they're fast safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil that has an electric current flowing through it, which is heated by the pan you place on the top. There is no wasted heat, as it would be with a gas best Hob or electric hob. This can help you save money.

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

If you're looking to find a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth taking a glance. It is 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. Its brushed finish looks more professional and is much more easy to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish.

It's important to note that while these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and could cause burns. We suggest handling the hob carefully and place it in a safe place away from children's reach and from areas where someone could fall over it. The majority of models also come with a child lock which is a helpful feature to consider for parents with children.