What is a Hob?

Hob is a controlled exocytosis protein. It has also been found to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory apparatus, and is essential for professional secretory cell function.

In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent to a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests leaving the pot "on the hob." The word is used in the same way in North America.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs use magnetism instead of direct heat to warm pans and pots. Underneath the cooktop's surface are coils through which an alternating electric current flows through and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on the cooktop's surface, this creates a magnetic field, which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, saving energy when compared to gas and electric models.

Another benefit is that induction hobs are more secure than gas hobs of the traditional variety as there is no open flames to cause burns to your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student halls and iQ Student Accommodation flats where security is a top priority. This kind of stove is also easy to clean because the smooth glass-ceramic cooktop surface isn't heated and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Induction requires special pans. You'll need pans that have a thick, flat base composed of ferrous metals like cast iron and steel. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a great way to test this is to run a magnet over the base. If the magnet is able to stick then it's a suitable pan for your induction hob.

Other popular choices are ceramic hobs, which have an elegant appearance and are available in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up, but they require more energy than induction hobs, since they heat up the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to clean too, as the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth. Most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids to provide convenience.

If you're looking for the most efficient of both, opt for a premium induction cooker like this one from Hotpoint It comes with a TFT-like display that can show the cookware's position and a control menu that will let you change the settings for the power. It comes with four automatic cooking modes to select from (boil, melt and slow cook) and a boost function for extra-quick results. It has lockable controls that prevent accidental button pushing. It also features an indicator of residual temperature and an auto-shutdown if you forget your hob.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or propane to heat their ovens and hobs and burners. This allows for a faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling and sauteing, as well as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.

Gas hobs are also independent of electricity. This means they're able to still work in power outages, but at a slower pace. The heat from the burners is also restricted to the pans that they are in contact with, which reduces the fire risk. To prevent fires, it's important to keep any flammable objects away from the flames.

Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that control the ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models utilize an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or an electric pilot flame to light the burner. They also come with control knobs for adjusting the flame intensity and heat output. Some come with a built-in timer which lets you set a specific cooking time.

Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually lower than a model with an induction motor however, operating costs will be contingent on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are compatible with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which is cheaper than natural gas.

Gas hobs need more attention than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate greasy spills that get deposited on the burner grates. Also, you'll need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob and oven grates. Additionally their flat rimless design eliminates the necessity for awkwardly positioned pot holders and utensils which can gather debris and increase the likelihood of spillages.

Electric hobs

Using electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models come with residual heat indicators that inform you which areas were recently used and are too hot to touch or clean. This can help prevent accidents and is especially helpful in homes with children. Certain models also come with overflow protection that detects when the pan is boiling and switches off the stove to avoid spills.

Designed to be sleek and stylish, induction hobs operate by transferring an electric charge through copper coils that create magnetic fields that heat the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them quicker to boil than gas hobs and provides precise temperature control as well as a cool-to-touch surface. energy efficiency.

However, these types of hobs can be more expensive than gas models and should be installed by a professional. They are often equipped with a flat ceramic cooktop for a modern look and offer an array of features, such as child locks, timers, auto shut-off and built in sensors for food preparation.

A favorite choice among consumers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both worlds by providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, which is resistant to burns, scratches and staining. They are available in a range of colours that will match your kitchen, and many come with pre-installed trims and panels to create a seamless appearance.

Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance, with the burner caps and grates needing to be cleaned frequently and then soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They also are susceptible to staining by liquid spills and are a little slower than other hobs to heat up, although they have excellent energy efficiency.

The best hobs

Hobs are a crucial kitchen component that transform any culinary endeavour into a music of flavours. We have a variety of hobs to suit any budget and need.

The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They offer a variety of features that allow you to cook without difficulty. The most popular options are ceramic, induction and gas.

Ceramic hobs use electric heating elements under a glass surface to transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They heat up quickly and can regulate the temperature with precision which makes them suitable for all kinds of cookware. Certain models have residual heat indicators which warn you if the surface of the glass remains hot.

Induction hobs operate by creating magnetic fields between the element and the pan that allows heat to be generated only where it is needed. They are faster to heat up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and have a high efficiency in energy use, and there is no loss of heat that is not needed by the rest of the hob.

Gas hobs are the more traditional option and are preferred by professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a range of cooking techniques. They are also cost-effective and can be used in all pans. However, they can be more difficult to clean as the burners and grates have nooks and crannies where dirt could hide.

Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, offering an excellent heat distribution for everyday use. They are generally less expensive than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you have limited space. They can be converted to make use of bottled LPG, and they can be used with all kinds of pans. They take longer to cool down and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Many of the modern hobs we have available have child locks and a range of enhanced safety features for added peace of mind.