A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance for kitchens that fits into an opening in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and may have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.

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

Induction hobs

Induction hobs are sleek and efficient. hobs are among the most sought-after options for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction stoves employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Under the glass-ceramic top, coils are used to create 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 in the pan, inducing 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 an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently in use and the power setting that you have selected. The control panel can be locked to avoid accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs have a boost function that maximises the potential of the cooking zone for a brief time period to bring the boiling water to a boil or prepare a pan for searing.

A majority of induction hobs are not frameless, with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They typically come in black, but some have other colors that match your kitchen decor. These units also have sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to show power levels or other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction cooktop it is necessary to buy cookware that's compatible with induction. If you're trying to determine if a pan will work on an induction stove, place an iron over its base. If the magnet sticks to it, then it's compatible. To prevent over-use of energy, many induction hobs feature a pan detection system that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is in place.

Induction hobs can be a great choice for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame, and are more secure than gas versions. However, they can produce a humming or ticking noise when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs make use of natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are suitable for many cooking techniques. They are quicker to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands needing to be cleaned regularly to make sure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the combustion process. They use electrical components, including switches and sensors to regulate the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners are operating correctly. They could also have a number of control knobs to adjust the flame intensity and the output of heat.

Based on the model you choose, gas hobs include anything between one and six burners. Be aware of the dimensions of your pans when choosing the number, as you'll want to make sure there are enough burners for all the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys choose one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models also come with griddle elements built in which means you can prepare tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

A key consideration when selecting gas hobs is the cost to run it. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs, but operating costs can differ greatly depending on your local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which may make installation more expensive than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs combine two appliances into one, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more sleek appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct on the surface of the hob and work more efficient than traditional hoods because they are able to collect hobs steam at the cooking level rather than let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is a great alternative if you require more space in your kitchen or want to cook outdoors. They are designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug in, so they're simple to use and carry with you when you have to cook somewhere else. They're also great for those who want to revamp your kitchen, or if you simply want more hob space during busy times.

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular in both kitchens for both home and professional use due to their speed, safe, efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current which flows through a magnetic coil, which heats up the pan you put on top. There isn't any wasted heat as there would be when using a gas or electric hob. This will save you money.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones and a double ring design so can be used with many different pots and pans. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the capability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among testers. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to come to a boil, which can be frustrating for people in a hurry.

This Smeg model is a good choice when you're looking for a small model. It is light and thin and is less than half the size as other models on the list. This makes it simple to keep in storage when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more expensive and is easier to clean than other hobs with a shiny finish.

These hobs can be a practical smaller alternative to larger ones however they are hot and could cause serious burns. We suggest handling the hob carefully and place it in a secure location far from the reach of children and away from areas where someone could fall over it. Many models have a child-lock which is an excellent feature for parents with children.