Types of Hobs

A hob, which is also known as stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans using electric power or flames. There are several different types of hobs available, so you can choose one that is best ovens uk suited to your preferences and kitchen.

Induction hobs come with flat cooking surfaces made of ceramic and include five or four zones to heat your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are elegant and stylish, and easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a modern, sleek design. They have a flat glass ceramic surface that is easy to clean, meaning spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. They also heat up very quickly and are energy efficient which helps lower your electric bill. However, one downside of ceramic hobs is that they can be slow in changing temperatures and can be a hassle when cooking food that requires a quick reduction or increase in temperature.

Electric hobs utilize an uncooked plate that is heated by electric elements under. The elements can be controlled separately by rotary knobs and nipped to the power level you require. You can utilize the Boost feature to increase the temperature of a specific area. Ceramic hobs also have very high rate of heat retention, which means they'll stay hot to the touch even after being shut off. It's important to install ceramic hobs in an area that is away from any flammable objects and out of reach of children.

This type of hob can be used on a variety of worktops including laminate, solid hardwood and granite. It's also reasonably priced and can be a great option for those looking to replace your old hobs without spending too much money. However, just like any other appliance, they must be installed correctly and connected to the mains power supply, so we recommend hiring an electrician professional to ensure that your new hobs are safe to use.

This kind of hob is sensitive to the pan's size and shape. You will need to purchase cookware that either matches the element precisely or fits comfortably in all of the heating zones. If the cookware is not the same dimensions as the element, it won't recognize it and will not heat the bottom of the pan. This could result in uneven cooking and make the hob less efficient.

Gas on glass hobs oven

Gas on glass hobs offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. While they cost more than electric models and may require professional installation, they usually take less time to heat up - it's not unusual for a full pan of water to boil in four minutes or less. This kind of stove is also a great choice for cooks who like to limit the amount of heat being generated. However, it must be observed that a glass-based hob is more prone to damage than stainless steel models and will likely require cleaning more frequently, as grease and residue build up tends to stick rather than slide off.

One of the best hob uk examples of a gas-on-glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, which boasts four black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs that create a a stylish and sophisticated finish. It also has the wok ring that has 4kW for additional versatility, as well as pan supports that are dishwasher-safe and easier to keep clean.

This Bosch gas hob is another highly recommended model. It combines a stylish piece of toughened glass with cutting-edge cooking technology. The dual ring design on the left side of the gas hob provides a double inner burner to improve the distribution of heat and accelerate cooking. It also features a handy power indicator that allows you to regulate the precise temperature of the flame. You can choose from nine pre-defined settings, including a high setting for searing a steak and an option for scrambled eggs.

Our testers also liked the controls as they were simple and intuitive. Some minor issues are the fact that you have to physically press the controls nine times before you can reach the highest level of heating and it can be difficult to discern the status of the burners through the glass.

Some of the best hob uk gas on glass hobs are available at an affordable price, such as this Neff model. Although it's unlikely to be a winner of any design awards, it does the job well and is an excellent addition to your kitchen for just over 120 dollars.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are perfect for modern homes. They not only offer an elegant design that fits in with the rest of your kitchen as well, but they also offer modern technology that is safer, quicker and more energy-efficient than their predecessors.

Ceramic glass hobs are among the most well-known electric stoves. They are designed with an elegant glazed finish and feature a surface that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. They're also typically equipped with a power boost feature that allows you to increase the heat of your hob for a brief period of time.

Another electric hob that is suitable for modern homes is an induction hob. Induction hobs heat cookware directly by using electromagnetic fields, unlike traditional gas and electric plates. They are therefore more energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. However they require a particular kind of pan to work with them and can be costly to install.

A gas on glass hob is a second option that is a good option for modern homes. Similar to a standard gas hob, it comes with the burner underneath an underlying layer of flat glass. The glass is heatproof and shatterproof, making it easier to clean than tempering glass. A majority of these hobs include a 'hot-surface indicator', which alerts you when the hob is hot.

Gas hobs remain a popular option for many home cooks however they can be noisy and hard to clean. They also take time to warm up and cool down and their flame can be difficult to control. In contrast electric hobs are efficient in terms of energy consumption and are easier to clean.

There are even electric stoves that can be used with LPG gas. This allows you to switch between different fuel sources, meaning you can adjust your cooking to adapt to your lifestyle. It's important to note, however, that these stoves will require installation by an accredited gas safe engineer and require a dedicated cable of 6mm for your kitchen. They're not suitable for people with pacemakers, since the electromagnetic field could cause interference with them.

Induction hobs

Beneath the glass surface of the induction hobs, there are copper coils which run an alternating electrical current. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on a stove, the coils generate magnetic fields that create heat directly inside the pan, rather than heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or a heated plate (electric). This makes induction hobs very efficient from an energy standpoint, as there's no residual heat being wasted.

There are many models of induction stoves starting with the basic models with a single zone marked by rings to more advanced multi zoned induction stoves with up to 6 zones and allow for multiple pots to cook simultaneously within a flex area. Some of these premium models have a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. Simply swipe your finger over the power bar in the middle to select the desired level of heat, left to right increases the heat and right to left reduces it. Certain models have preset settings for specific food types or recipes that can cut down time in the kitchen.

Induction hobs are more expensive than ceramic hobs. However they are more efficient in the long term. They are more efficient in heating and have a smaller heating area which could reduce your energy bills. They also cool faster and have a more secure design without hot plates, making them ideal for families with children or elderly people living in the home. They do, however, produce magnetic forces that can interfere with certain medical devices like pacemakers. It is therefore essential to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans on larger burners.

Like all electric hobs you'll need to keep your electric hob clean regularly because food and debris could accumulate over time. You can either make use of a basic oven cleaner or invest in a specialist one to keep your oven in good shape and shiny for a longer time. Make sure you don't use the abrasive cleaning pads or scouring pads on your induction hob as they can scratch the surface.