A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance that fits inside the cutout of a worktop. It can be either electric or gas, and have up to six cooking rings. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.
Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are of interest to consumers. They also are looking to improve hygiene and reduce energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, which are sleek and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current flows through. When a pan that is compatible is placed on the cooking area the coils generate magnetic fields that interact with the metal inside the pan, causing electrical currents and creating heat. Induction hobs are more energy-efficient than traditional hobs and are easier to clean.
Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance features an entire TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays what cookware is currently in use and the power setting you have chosen. The control panel may also be locked to prevent accidental use of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking zone for a short time. This feature is helpful for quickly bringing the water in a pot to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.
Many induction hobs have an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly incorporated into the countertop. They usually come in black, but some have different colors that match your kitchen decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls that have indicator lights that indicate the power level and other functions.
To make the most of an induction cooker you'll need to buy cookware that's compatible with induction. The best method to determine if a pan is induction compatible is to run a magnet along its base. If the magnet stays it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. To ensure that you don't overuse energy the majority of induction hobs have pan detection that only activates the coils if a suitable pan is present.
Induction hobs can be an excellent choice for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame and are more secure than gas versions. They do make a humming or ticking sound when in use, which can be annoying to 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 perfect for a variety of cooking techniques. They are faster to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean, with burner caps and wok stands needing to be removed regularly to make sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or continuous electric flame to light the burners and initiate the combustion process. They then use electrical components, such as switches and sensors to regulate the flow of gas through the system and make here sure that the burners are working correctly. The burners may also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat.
Gas hobs are available in various models, ranging from one to six burners. Be aware of the size of your pots when choosing this number, as you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners for all the cookware you plan to use. If you frequently stir-fry make sure you choose a pan with a wok burn. Some models have griddles included, which means you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be different based on the local gas rates and the usage. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas hob requires access to natural gas and ventilation, which can increase the cost of installation over an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a fantastic option to combine two appliances into one unit, reducing space in your kitchen and creating a sleeker appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct in the surface of the hob which allows them to operate more effectively than traditional hoods since they are able to collect steam at the level of cooking rather than let it rise and spill out into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
A portable hob is an excellent option if you're looking to increase the space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to connect to your kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also take them with you when you want to cook in a different location. These are also useful for those who want to revamp your kitchen, or simply want more hob space during busy times.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both home and professional kitchens due to their speed and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current which flows through a magnetic coil which heats up the pan that you place on the top. There isn't any wasted heat as there would be with a gas or electric hob. This can help you save money.
This Belling hob features two cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with various pots and saucepans. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among test subjects. The only issue is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.
If you're looking for a more compact option this model from Smeg might be worth a take a look. It's lightweight and thin - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list. This makes it easy to store when not in use. The brushed finish appears more professional and is much easier to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish.
It's important to keep in mind that while these hobs are a convenient alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and can cause burns. This is why we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it far away from children and away from areas where people could trip over it. A lot of models come with a child-lock, which can be a useful feature if you have children.