A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is an opening in the worktop. It can be either gas or electric, and can include up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has a modern look.

Consumers are looking for smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer different options for customization. They also want to lower energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs that are sleek and efficient, are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Contrary to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. The glass-ceramic top is where coils are utilized to create an alternation current. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking area the coils generate magnetic fields that interact with the metal in the pan, generating electrical currents and creating heat. This makes induction hobs much more efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. The top of the appliance has a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays what cookware is currently being used, and the power setting you have selected. The control panel can also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs have an increase feature that boosts the power of the cooking area for a short period of time. This is useful to speedily bring boiling water to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.

Many induction hobs come with an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly incorporated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are available in different colors to match the decor of your kitchen. These units also come with sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators to show power levels or other functions.

To maximize the performance of your induction cooker, you'll need to use induction-compatible cookware. The Best Hob way to determine whether a pot is compatible is to run a magnet along its base; if the magnet stays it's safe for use on an induction stove. To avoid overusing energy the majority of induction hobs have pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is present.

Induction hobs are a great option for shared homes and student housing because they don't have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. However, they do produce an eerie ticking or humming sound during operation that can disturb certain people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or the liquefied gas that is used to heat your cookware. They are perfect for a variety of cooking methods. They are quicker to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean, with burner caps and wok stand needing to be removed regularly to make sure that everything is clean.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or continuous electric 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 ensure that the burners are working correctly. The burners could also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat.

Depending on the model you choose, gas hobs can come with anywhere from one to six burners. When deciding on the number burners, take into account the size of the pans you will be using. You'll have to ensure that there is enough space for the cookware that you'll use. If you often stir-fry then choose a model with a wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements included, which means you can make a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch.

The cost of running a gas best hob should be a major consideration when selecting one. Gas hobs typically come with lower initial costs than induction hobs, however operating costs can differ greatly dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require a 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 and giving a more sleek appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob and oven, allowing them to work more efficient than traditional hoods because they're able to capture steam at cooking level instead of permitting it to rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is an excellent option if you need more space in your kitchen or wish to cook outdoors. They're designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug into, so they're easy to use and can be carried with you when you need to cook somewhere else. They also come in handy in the event that you're planning to renovate your kitchen or simply need more space on the hob and oven for busy times.

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

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with a variety of pots and saucepans. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution mean it was the most popular choice for testers, who found the ability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only drawback was that it took over 12 minutes to boil 1 litre of water which could be a problem for those with a tight schedule.

This Smeg model is a good choice for those looking for a compact alternative. It's thin and light - less than half the size of the other models on this list, making it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed finish looks more professional and is much easier to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish.

It's important to remember that even though these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones however, they're still hot and can cause burns. For this reason, we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it far away from children and away from areas where people could trip over it. Many models have a child-lock, which can be useful for parents with children.