A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance that fits inside the worktop's cutout. It can be electric or gas and may have up to six cooking rings or zones. It has a modern 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 want to improve hygiene and decrease energy consumption.

Induction hobs

Modern and efficient, induction hobs are among the most popular options for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan itself. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are utilized to create an alternation current. When a compatible pan is placed in the cooking zone the coils create an electric field that interacts with the metal within the pan, inducing electrical currents and creating heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and are easier to clean.

Induction hobs also feature an easier-to-use design. The top of the appliance is a full 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 include a boost function that maximises 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 lot of induction hobs feature an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are offered in different colours to complement your kitchen decor. They also often have sleek, minimalist controls with indicator lights that indicate the level of power and other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction cooker, you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. The best hobs uk way to check whether a pot is compatible is to run a magnet across its base; if the magnet is able to stick it's safe for use on an induction stove. To avoid overusing energy Induction hobs often have pan detection that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is present.

Induction hobs are a great option for shared homes or student accommodation since they do not have an open flame. They are also safer than gas models. They do produce a humming sound or ticking sound when in use, which can be annoying to some people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs utilize natural gas or liquefied petrol gas to heat your cookware. They are suitable for cooking with a variety of techniques. They are precise in temperature control, and are quicker to heat up than electric alternatives like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands needing to be removed regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

The majority of modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or a continuous electric flame to light the burners and start the combustion process. They use electrical components, including sensors and switches, to control the flow of gas through the system and ensure that the burners are working properly. They could also include a number of control knobs that can be used to alter the intensity of the flame and heat output.

Depending on the model you select, gas hobs have anywhere between one and six burners. When choosing the number of burners, think about the size of the pans that you will be using. You'll have to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the cookware you will use. If you are a frequent cook and stir-fry then you should choose one with a dedicated wok burner. Some models have griddles included, which means you can cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, however operating costs can differ greatly dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in mind that a gas hob requires access to natural gas supplies and ventilation, which could increase the cost of installation over an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs integrate two appliances into one making space for them and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the hob's surface, allowing them to work more effectively than traditional hoods since they're able to capture steam at the level of cooking rather than 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 cook outside, a portable hob can be a good option. They're designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug into, so they're simple to use and take with you when you want to cook in another location. They are also helpful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen, or just want to have more space on your hob in busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both home and professional kitchens as they're quick safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electrical current running through it, which then is heated by the pan you place on top. There is no wasted heat, as it is with a gas or electric hob. This will save you money.

This Belling hob features dual cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can be used with a variety of pots and saucepans. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution and the ability to alter the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among testers. The only drawback is that it takes over 12 minutes for a litre to boil, which can be a hassle for those needing to rush.

This model from Smeg is a good choice for those looking for a compact model. It's thin and light - less than half the size 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 more shiny finishes found on other hobs.

These hobs can be a practical, smaller alternative to the full-sized versions however, they are hot and can cause serious burns. This is why we recommend cautious handling and careful placement, with the plug well out of reach from children and away from areas where someone could fall over it. A lot of models come with a child-lock that can be a useful feature for parents with children.