A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is a kitchen appliance that fits into an opening in the worktop. It can be either gas or electric and have up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.

Consumers are looking for smart hobs that integrate with home automation systems and offer different options for customization. They also are looking to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs which are sleek and efficient are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plate to heat cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Under the glass-ceramic top, coils are used to create an alternation current. When a suitable pot is placed in the cooking surface the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal in the pot, generating electrical currents as well as heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and easier to clean.

Induction hobs also have an easier-to-use design. The top of the appliance features an all-TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently in use and what power setting you have chosen. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pushing. A lot of induction hobs have a boost function that increases the effectiveness of a cooking zone for a brief period of time to quickly bring a pot of boiling water to heat a pan for searing.

Many induction hobs are frameless, with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colours to complement your kitchen decor. They often also have minimalist, sleek controls with indicator lights that indicate the level of power and other functions.

In order to maximize the performance of your induction hob you will require cookware that is compatible with induction. If you’re trying to determine if a pan will work on an induction stove, place a magnet across its base. If the magnet adheres to it, then it is compatible. Many induction hobs feature a pan detection system to ensure that they don’t use too much energy. The coils will only be activated when an appropriate pan or pans are available.

Induction hobs are a great choice for shared housing or student apartments, as they don’t have an open flame and are safer than gas models. However, they do make a humming or ticking noise when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people.

Gas hobs

A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware, making it ideal for a variety of cooking techniques. They are quicker to heat up and offer more precise temperature control than electric options such as ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be a bit messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands that need to be cleaned frequently to ensure that everything is clean.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They then use electrical components, like switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners work correctly. Ovens & Hobs may also have various control knobs to adjust the flame intensity and heat output.

Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs come with anywhere between one and six burners. When choosing the number of burners, think about the dimensions of the pans you will be using. You’ll need to make sure you have enough space for the cookware you will use. If you often do stir-frys, opt for an appliance with a wok burner. Some models also come with griddle elements that are built-in which means you can make tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

The cost of running a gas hob should be a key factor when deciding on one. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However, operating costs can be different based on the local gas rates and usage. It is important to keep in the mind that a gas hob requires natural gas supplies and ventilation, which may increase the cost of installation over an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are an excellent option to combine two appliances into a single unit, reducing space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They draw steam and smoke through a duct that is located on the stove’s surface, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is an excellent option if you need more space in your kitchen or want to cook outdoors. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also bring them with you when you want to cook elsewhere. They are also helpful when you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or just want to have more space on your hob during busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular in both residential and commercial kitchens as they’re quick and safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating an electric current which flows through a magnetic coil, which heats up the pan you put on top. There is no wasted heat, as it would be with a gas hob or electric hob. This can help you save money.

This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and double ring design so can be used for various pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the capability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among testers. The only downside is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to reach a boil, which could be frustrating for those needing to rush.

This model from Smeg is a great choice if you want a compact alternative. It is light and thin, less than half the size as some of the other models on our list. This makes it easy to keep in storage when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more expensive and is easier to clean than other hobs with a shiny finish.

These hobs could be a convenient, smaller alternative to the larger ones however they are hot and can cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob with care and put it in a secure location, away from children’s reach and from areas where people might trip over it. Many models have a child-lock which is a useful feature if you have children.