Types of Hobs

A hob, also known as stovetops in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans with electric power or flames. There are a variety of hobs available, so you can choose one that fits your style and kitchen.

Induction hobs have flat cooking surfaces made of ceramic and come with four or five zones for heating your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and fashionable, and are easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. They have a flat glass ceramic surface that's easy to clean, so spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. They also heat up very quickly and are energy efficient and can help lower your electric bill. However, one downside of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow to adjust temperatures and can be a hassle when cooking food that requires an instant reduction or increase in heat.

Electric hobs are made up of a solid, textured surface that is heated from below by electric elements. The power of each element can be individually adjusted by the rotary knobs. You can even utilize the boost feature to increase the temperature of a single area. Ceramic hobs are able to hold heat well, so even when they are turned off, they'll be hot to the touch. It is essential to place ceramic hobs in a place that is safe from any flammable objects and away from children's reach.

This kind of hob is able to be mounted on a variety of worktops including laminate or solid hardwood, as well as granite. It's also quite affordable and can be an excellent option for those looking to replace your old stoves without spending a large amount of money. But, as with all appliances, they do need to be installed correctly and connected to the mains, so we would recommend hiring a professional electrician to ensure that your new hobs are safe to use.

This type of hob is sensitive to pan shapes and sizes. You'll need to buy cookware that's either the exact same size as the element or that is able to fit in the heating zones on the hob. If the cookware is not the same size 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 stove less efficient.

Gas on glass hobs

Gas on glass hobs are sleek and contemporary in design. They can be more expensive than electric models, and require professional installation. However, they heat up faster as a full pot of water can typically boil within less than four minutes. This type of stove is ideal for cooks who need to limit the amount of heat is generated. However, it must be noted that a glass hob is more prone to damage than stainless steel models and will need to be cleaned more often, since the accumulation of grease and residue tends to stay on the surface instead of slipping off.

A fantastic example of a gas-on-glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, that has four black monobloc burners that have precise metal control knobs that create a an elegant and sophisticated appearance. The wok ring has a power of 4kW for additional versatility, and the pan supports are dishwasher-proof.

Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob, which combines an attractive slab of toughened glass with advanced cooking technology. The dual ring design to the left 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 helps you to control the precise temperature of the flame. You can select from nine preset settings, such as a high setting to sear steaks and a low one for scrambled eggs.

Our test subjects also appreciated the controls, as they were easy to use and intuitive. Some minor disadvantages are that you need to physically press the controls nine times to reach the highest level of heating and it can be difficult to determine the state of the burners through the glass.

A few of the top gas on glass hobs can be found at affordable prices, such as this Neff model. While it's not going to win any design awards, it does the job well and is an ideal addition to your kitchen for less than PS120.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are perfect for modern homes. Not only do they offer a sleek design that fits in with the rest of your kitchen, but they also provide modern technology that is safer, faster and more efficient in energy use than their predecessors.

One of the most sought-after electric hobs is a ceramic glass hob. They are designed with an elegant glazed finish and feature a surface that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. They're also often equipped with a power boost function that allows you to increase the temperature of your stove for a brief period of time.

Another electric hob that is perfect for modern homes is an induction hob. As opposed to traditional gas and electric plate best hobs uk that use electromagnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. They are therefore more energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. They require a particular kind of pan and could be expensive to put in.

A gas on glass hob is another option that's a great option for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under a flat glass layer, similar to a standard gas stove. However, this glass is heat-resistant ovens and hobs shatterproof, which means it's easier to clean than standard glass that's tempered. A majority of these hobs oven have a 'hot surface indicator', which alerts you when the oven is hot.

Gas hobs remain a preferred option for many home cooks However, they can be noisy and hard to clean. The flame can be difficult to control and take some time to warm up and cool down. Electric hobs, on other side, are more efficient in energy and easier to clean.

For the ultimate in modern efficiency You can also find electric hobs compatible with LPG gas. This allows you to switch between different fuel sources, meaning you'll have the flexibility to fit your needs. But, it's important to keep in mind that these hobs must be installed by a gas safe registered engineer and will require a dedicated 6mm cable in your kitchen. They are also not suitable for those who have pacemakers as the electromagnetic field can interfere with them.

Induction hobs

Beneath the glass surface of the induction hobs, there are copper coils that run an alternating electrical current. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the hob the coils produce magnetic fields which direct heat the pan, rather than heating a surface of the worktop or heated plate. Induction hobs are very efficient in energy use, since they don't squander heat.

There are a myriad of models of induction hobs starting from basic models that have a single cooking zone with rings to more advanced multi-zoned induction hobs that have up to six zones and allow the cooking of multiple pots at once on a flexible zone. Some of these premium models have a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. You can select the desired temperature by swiping your finger from left to right over the power bar located in the middle. Certain models have preset settings that are specific to food types or recipes which can help you save time in the kitchen.

Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs, however they are considered to be more energy efficient over the long term as they heat up much quicker and have a smaller surface for heating up which can help reduce your energy bills. They cool faster, and they have a safer design without hot plates. This makes them perfect for families that have children or elderly residents. They do, however, produce a magnetic force that could affect certain medical devices like pacemakers. It is therefore important to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans with larger burners.

As with all electric hobs you'll need to clean your induction hob on a regular basis, as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use a standard oven cleaner, or invest in a specialist product to keep your stove clean and in good shape for longer. It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaning products or scouring pad on your induction stove since they could scratch the surface.