A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is a kitchen appliance that is a cutout on the worktop. It can be either electric or gas, and include up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.
Consumers are interested in smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, which are stylish and efficient are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Contrary to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a suitable pan is placed on the cooking area the coils create a magnetic field that interacts with the metal within the pan, causing electrical currents, and producing heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs, and they are also easier to clean.
Induction hobs also feature an easier-to-use design. A full TFT display on the top of the appliance could be used to control the oven, with an obvious indication of which cookware is being used and what power setting is being selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs have a boost function that increases the potential of the cooking zone for a short period of time to quickly bring an entire pot of boiling water to prepare a pan for searing.
Many induction hobs are frameless, with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in other colours to match your kitchen decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls with indicator lights to indicate the level of power and other functions.
In order to maximize the benefits of your induction hob you will need to use induction-compatible cookware. The best method to determine if a pan is induction compatible is to place an iron rod across its base; if the magnet stays it's safe to use on an induction stove. To prevent over-use of energy Induction hobs often have pan detection that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.
Induction hobs can be an excellent choice for shared housing or student apartments since they don't contain an open flame, and are safer than gas versions. However, they do make the sound of ticking or humming in operation, which may irritate some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that cookware is heated which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control, and are more efficient in heating than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be a messy process. Burner caps and wok stand must be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is clean.
Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the process of combustion. They use electrical components, including switches and sensors, to control the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners are operating correctly. They may also have various control knobs for adjusting the flame intensity and heat output.
Gas hobs are available in different models, with one to six burners. Consider the dimensions of your pots when choosing this number, since you'll want to make sure there are enough burners to accommodate the cookware you plan to use. If you are a frequent cook and stir-fry choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models also come with griddle elements built in, so you can make tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.
The cost of running a gas hob should be a major consideration when deciding on one. Gas hobs generally come with lower initial costs than induction hobs, however the operating cost can be a bit different according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas hob requires natural gas and ventilation, which can increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a great option to combine two appliances into one unit, reducing space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They pull smoke and steam through a duct on the hob's surface which allows them to operate much more efficiently than traditional hoods as they're able to capture 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 wish to cook outdoors. These are designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug in, so they're a breeze to use and can be carried with you when you have to cook somewhere else. They are also useful when you're remodeling your kitchen or just need some extra hob space to accommodate busy times.
Induction hobs are getting more popular in both residential and commercial kitchens because they're fast safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They operate by creating an electric current that runs through a magnetic coil which then heats the read more pan that you place on top. There isn't any wasted heat as there is with a gas or electric hob. This can save you money.
This Belling hob comes with two cooking zones, as well as the double ring design can be used with a variety of pans and pots. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution mean it was an absolute hit with testers, who even appreciated the ability to alter the temperature of the two zones helpful. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be a hassle for those needing to rush.
If you're looking to find a more compact model the Smeg model could be worth having a glance. It's lightweight and thin - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list - which makes it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed silver finish looks elegant and is more easy to clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.
It's important to keep in mind that although these hobs can be an excellent alternative to larger ones, they're still hot and could cause burns. It is recommended that you handle the hob with care and put it in a safe location far from the reach of children and away from areas where people might slip on it. A lot of models come with a child-lock which is an excellent feature when you have children.