A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is fitted into an opening in the worktop. It can be either gas or electric, and can come with up to six cooking rings. It has a modern design and is easy to clean.

Consumers are interested in smart hobs that integrate with home automation systems and provide customization options. They also want to cut down on the amount of energy used and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs which are sleek and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a compatible pan is placed in the cooking area, the coils automatically create a magnetic field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, generating electrical currents and creating heat. Induction hobs are more energy-efficient than traditional hobs, and they are also easier to clean.

Induction hobs also have an improved user-friendly design. The top of the appliance has a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It shows what cookware is currently in use, and the power setting that you have chosen. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and many induction hobs have a boost function that increases the effectiveness of a cooking zone for a short period of time to bring an entire pot of boiling water to heat a pan for searing.

A majority of induction hobs are not frameless, with the glass ceramic surface that is seamlessly integrated into your countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in different colors to match your kitchen's decor. These units also have simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to show power levels or other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction hob you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. The Best Hobs way to check if a pan is induction compatible is to run an iron rod across its base. If the magnet stays it's safe for use it on an induction cooker. To avoid overusing energy Induction hobs often have pan detection that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.

Induction hobs are a good option for shared homes or student housing because they do not feature an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. However, they can produce the sound of ticking or humming during operation that can disturb some people.

Gas hobs

A gas hob uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce 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 like ceramic hobs. They can be dirty to clean, with burner caps and wok stands that need to be cleaned frequently to make sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and start the combustion process. Then, they use electrical components like switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners function correctly. The burners can also include several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat.

Based on the model you select, gas hobs have anywhere between one and six burners. Be aware of the size of your pans when choosing this number, since you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate all the cookware you plan to use. If you often do stir-frys choose a model with a dedicated wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements included, which means you can make a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch.

A major consideration when choosing gas hobs is the cost of running it. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs, but operating costs can differ greatly dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas best hob uk requires access to a natural gas supply and ventilation, which can increase installation costs over an induction or electric hob and oven.

Vented hobs are an excellent way to combine two appliances into one unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob which allows them to operate more efficiently than traditional hoods as they are able to collect steam at cooking level instead of let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

If you're looking for more hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a great choice. They're designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug in, which means they're a breeze to use and carry with you when you have to cook elsewhere. They are also useful 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 increasingly popular, both in professional and home kitchens because they are fast safe, efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil that has an electric current flowing through it, which is heated by the pan you place on the top. There is no wasted heat, as it would be with a gas hob or electric hob. This will help you save money.

This Belling hob has dual cooking zones, the double ring design can be used with many different saucepans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the ability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among testers. The only downside is that it takes over 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to reach a boil, which could be frustrating for those who are in a hurry.

This Smeg model is a good choice when you're looking for a small model. It's light and thin and is less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it easy to put away when not in use. Its brushed finish looks more professional and is much more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.

These hobs could be a practical, smaller alternative to the full-sized versions however they are hot and could cause serious burns. For this reason, we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it well out of reach from children and away from areas where someone could trip over it. Many models also have a child lock that is a great feature to consider when you have children.