What is a Hob?

Hob is a regulated exocytosis-related protein. It has been discovered that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a component of the secretory apparatus and is required for the proper function of secretory cells.

In the British kitchen, a hob is the equivalent to a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests leaving the pot on the stove. The word has similar meaning in North America.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs heat pans and pots by magnetism, not direct heating. Underneath the cooktop's surface, there are coils that an electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field, which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, saving energy in comparison to gas and electric models.

Another benefit is that induction hobs are more secure than their traditional gas counterparts and have no open flames to cause burns to your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob does not get hot and can be easily cleaned with a damp rag.

The downside to induction is that you do need specific pans that can be used. You'll need pans that are made of a thick, flat base comprised of ferrous metals, like steel and cast iron. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a great way to determine this is by running a magnet across the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction cooker.

Ceramic hobs are also very popular because they have a elegant appearance and are available in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up, but they tend to consume more energy than induction stoves due to the fact that they make use of the entire surface of glass-ceramic. The smooth surface of the cooktop can be cleaned with a soft cloth. Most lids are dishwasher safe.

If you're looking for the most efficient of both choose a high-end induction hob like this one from Hotpoint It comes with a full TFT screen to display your position of cookware and a control menu that will let you change the power settings. It has four automatic cooking options (boiling melting, boiling, and slow cooking) along with an extra-quick boost function. It has locks that can be locked to stop accidental button pressing and comes with a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget about the hob.

Gas hobs

A gas hob uses propane or natural gas to heat its oven and burners which results in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling, and sauteing, as well as other cooking techniques. Although it might not be as efficient in energy as an electric hob, a gas-powered one is generally cheaper to operate than one powered by electricity.

Gas hobs are also independent of electricity. This means they're able to still function in power outages, but at a slower speed. It also has a lower risk of fire since the burners' heat is limited to the pans that they come into contact with. But, it's crucial to keep flammable materials away from the flames and follow safe cooking practices to prevent accidental fires.

A modern gas hob is made up of traditional gas burners and some electrical components that control the burner's ignition, flame output, food Preparation and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or an electrical pilot flame to light the burner. The control knobs let you alter the intensity of the flame and output of heat. A lot of them include a built-in timer, which allows you to determine a specific cooking time.

Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually less than that of an induction model however, operating costs will be contingent on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are used with liquefied petrol gas (LPG) which is a fuel that is often cheaper than natural gas.

Another drawback of a gas stove is that it requires more care than an electric one. The burner grates are more likely to attract grease spills, and you'll need to wipe down the flat cooking surface more frequently to avoid food residue accumulating in crevices. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob uk grates. Their flat, rimless design avoids the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.

Electric hobs

Utilizing electric coils to create heat under the cooking zone electric hobs are easy to heat and simple to clean after use. 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 in homes with children. Some models also have overflow protection that detects when the pot is boiling and shuts off the stove to stop spillage.

Designed to be elegant and stylish, induction hobs operate by transferring an electric charge through copper coils, which create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction-compatible cookware. Induction hobs are faster at boiling than gas hobs, and provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

However, these kinds of cooktops can be more expensive than gas models and need to be installed by a professional. A lot of them come with a flat ceramic glass cooktops for a contemporary look and offer an array of features such as child locks as well as timers, auto shut off and built in sensors for food preparation.

Electric ceramic hobs are a popular choice among users. They provide an easy-to-clean, smooth surface and are also resistant to burns, stains, and scratches. They are available in a variety of colours that can complement your kitchen and many come with pre-installed trims and panels to give a seamless look.

These models, similar to induction hobs, require frequent maintenance. The burner caps and grates must be cleaned and removed in warm water before reassembling. They also have a tendency to staining due to spills of liquid and are slower than other hobs to heat up, although they have a high energy efficiency.

The most delicious hobs

Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform a food preparation into a spectacular symphony of flavours. Whether you are curating your cooking arsenal anew or just looking for an upgrade, we have various hob styles that will meet your requirements and budget.

The most effective hobs will be elegant, durable, and easy to clean. They also offer a wide variety of specialist features that allow you to cook like professional. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most sought-after choices.

Ceramic hobs employ electric heating elements under a glass surface to transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They are quick to heat up and provide precise temperature control, making them suitable for all kinds of cookware. Certain models come with residual heat indicators that inform you when the glass surface is still hot.

Induction hobs work by creating magnetic fields between the element and the pan that allows heat to be generated only where it is required. They are faster to heat up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and provide excellent energy efficiency, with no waste of heat that is not needed by the rest of the hob.

Gas hobs are a more conventional option that is preferred by many professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, making them ideal for a range of cooking techniques. They are also economical and can be used in a variety of pans. However, they can be harder to clean because the grates and burners have nooks and crannies in which dirt can hide.

Solid plate hobs have a good heat distribution and are durable. They are ideal for use on a daily basis. They are generally less expensive than gas or induction hobs, and are ideal if you are limited in space. Some can be converted to make use of bottles of LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. However, they will take a bit longer to warm up and cool down, and aren't suitable for simmering. A lot of modern best hobs that we offer come with child locks as well as a variety of enhanced safety features for extra security.