A Guide to Hobs in the UK

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

Consumers are interested in smart hobs that are compatible with home automation systems and provide customization options. They also seek to improve hygiene and reduce energy consumption.

Induction hobs

Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most sought-after options for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike electric and gas models that rely on heating plate to heat cookware directly, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are used to run an alternation current. When a suitable pan is placed on the cooking zone, the coils automatically create an electric field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, causing electrical currents, and producing heat. This process makes induction hobs efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs also have an improved user-friendly design. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob, with a clear indication of what cooking equipment is in use 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 can increase the power of the cooking zone for a short period of time. This feature is helpful to speedily bring a pot of boiling water to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.

A lot of induction hobs feature frames that are not visible, and the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colors to match your kitchen's decor. They often also have sleek, minimalist controls with indicator lights that indicate power levels and other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction hob, you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. If you're interested in knowing whether a particular pan can work on an induction stove, run an iron over the base of the pan. If the magnet adheres to it, then it is compatible. Many induction best hobs feature pan detection to avoid overusing energy. The coils will only be activated when an appropriate pan or pans are in use.

Induction hobs can be ideal for shared households or student accommodation because they don't feature an open flame ovens and hobs are safer than gas versions. However, they do produce the sound of ticking or humming in operation, which may irritate certain people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are suitable for cooking with a variety of techniques. They provide precise temperature control ovens and hobs are also quicker to heat up than electric alternatives like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the process of combustion. Then, they use electrical components, such as switches and sensors to control the gas flow through the system and to make sure that the burners operate correctly. The burners could also have several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.

Gas hobs are available in various models, with a range of one to six burners. Be aware of the dimensions of your pans when deciding the number, as you'll want to make sure there are enough burners to accommodate all cookware you intend to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer then choose a model with a wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements that are integrated, allowing you to cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

A major consideration when choosing gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However operating costs can be very different depending on the local gas rates and usage. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could result in higher installation costs than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a great method of combining two appliances into a single unit, reducing space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They extract steam and smoke through a duct on the hob's surface and work more efficient than traditional hoods because they are able to collect steam at the level of cooking rather than letting it rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable Best Hobs

Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen, or you want to cook outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a great choice. They are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug into, so they're easy to use and take with you when you have to cook elsewhere. They're also great if you need to renovate your kitchen, or simply want more hob space during busy times.

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

This Belling hob features dual cooking zones and double rings, which means it can be used for various pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among testers. The only drawback was that it took more than 12 minutes to boil one liter of water, which can be a hassle for those with a tight schedule.

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

It's important to keep in mind that while these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones however, they're still hot and can cause burns. This is why we suggest careful handling and judicious placement, with the plug away from children and away from areas where someone could trip over it. Many models come with a child lock that can be useful for parents with children.