A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is fitted into 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 look.

The market is flooded with smart hobs that integrate with home automation systems and provide customization options. They also seek to improve hygiene and decrease energy consumption.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs are sleek and efficient. 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 warm cookware directly, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current runs through. When a compatible pot is placed on the cooking area, the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal in the pot, generating electrical currents and heat. Induction hobs are more efficient than traditional hobs and easier to clean.

Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. The top of the appliance has an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use and what power setting you have selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. A majority of induction hobs come with an increase feature that boosts the power of the cooking zone for a short time. This is useful to speedily bring the water in a pot to a boil, or heating the pan to cook.

A lot of induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They usually come in black, but some offer different colors that match your kitchen decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls with indicator lights that indicate the level of power and other functions.

To get the most out of an induction cooktop you'll need to buy cookware that's compatible with induction. The best oven way to check if a pan is induction compatible is to run a magnet along its base. If the magnet stays it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. Many induction hobs feature pan detection systems to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when a suitable pan or pans are present.

Induction hobs are a great choice for shared homes or student housing because they do not have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. However, they do make the sound of ticking or humming when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to certain people.

Gas hobs

A gas hob makes use of natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that cookware is heated which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are quicker to heat up and offer better temperature control than electric options such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be a messy process. Burner caps and wok stands must be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or best oven a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. Then, they use electrical components, such as sensors and switches to regulate the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners work properly. They may also have several control knobs for adjusting the flame intensity and heat output.

Gas hobs come in different models, with one to six burners. Be aware of the size of your pans when choosing this number, as you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners to accommodate the cookware you plan to use. If you frequently stir-fry, opt for one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements integrated, so you can cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

The cost of running a gas hob should be a key factor when choosing one. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be very different depending on local gas rates and use. It's important to keep in the mind that a gas hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which can make installation more expensive than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a fantastic option to combine two appliances into one unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen best ovens and hobs uk creating a sleeker aesthetic. They remove steam and smoke through a duct on the stove's surface which allows for more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is a great alternative if you require more space in your kitchen or want to cook outside. They are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug in, so they're simple to use and carry with you when you need to cook elsewhere. They also come in handy in the event that you're planning to renovate your kitchen or simply require more space on the hob to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both professional ovens and hobs home kitchens due to their speed, safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil, with an electrical current running through it, which then heats the pan that you place on the top. There is no wasted heat as there would be when using a gas or electric hob. This can save you money.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones, the double ring design can be used with a variety of pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution make it an absolute hit with testers, who appreciated the ability to alter the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.

This model from Smeg is a good option when you're looking for a small option. It's thin and light, less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it easy to keep in storage when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears elegant and is easier to clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.

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