A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is a cutout on the worktop. It can be gas or electric and can have one to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.
Consumers are interested in smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer different options for customization. They also want to improve hygiene and reduce energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs which are elegant and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. Contrary to electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs use electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan. Under the glass-ceramic top, coils are utilized to create an alternation current. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking zone the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal in the pan, causing electrical currents, and producing heat. This makes induction hobs efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hob types.
Induction hobs and ovens also come with a more user-friendly design. A full TFT display on the top of the appliance could be used to control the oven, with an easy-to-read display of what cookware is being used and the power setting being selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pushing. A lot of induction hobs come with an increase function that boosts the effectiveness of a Gourmet cooking zone for a brief period of time to bring an entire pot of water to the boil or heat a pan for searing.
A lot of induction hobs feature frames that are not visible, and the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Some induction hobs are available in different colours to complement your kitchen's decor. They also come with simple controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.
To get the most from your induction cooker, you'll require cookware that is compatible with induction. The best hob way to determine whether a pot is compatible is to place an iron rod across its base; if the magnet is able to stick it's safe for use it on an induction cooker. Many induction hobs feature pan detection systems to ensure that they don't use too much energy. The coils will only be activated when the pan or pans are available.
Induction hobs are ideal for shared households or student accommodation since they don't contain an open flame, and are more secure than gas versions. However, they do make a humming or ticking noise during operation that can disturb certain people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. They provide precise temperature control and are quicker to heat up than some electric alternatives, like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be messy to clean with burner caps and wok stands needing to be cleaned regularly to make sure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.
Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the process of combustion. Then, they use electrical components such as switches and sensors to control the gas flow through the system and make sure that the burners operate correctly. The burners may also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output.
Based on the model you select, gas hobs have anywhere from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when choosing this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you often stir-fry then choose a model that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements that are built-in, so you can cook up a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be very different depending on the local gas rates and the usage. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could lead to higher installation costs than an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a great way to combine two appliances into a single unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen and creating a sleeker aesthetic. They remove steam and smoke through a duct that is located on the stove's surface and allow for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.
Portable hobs
Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outdoors an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a good option. These are designed to be placed on the kitchen worktop and plug into, so they're simple to use and can be carried with you when you want to cook somewhere else. They are also useful in the event that you're planning to renovate your kitchen or simply need some extra hob space for busy times.Induction hobs are increasingly popular in both kitchens for both home and professional use because they are fast, safe, efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil, with an electrical current running through it, which is heated by the pan you place on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' like with gas or electric hobs that can help reduce your expenses.
This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and a double rings that can be used with a range of pots and pans. Its intuitive interface and good heat distribution make it a favourite among test participants, who also found the ability to easily change the temperature of the two zones useful. The only issue is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to reach a boil, which could be a hassle for those needing to rush.
This Smeg model is a good option when you're looking for a small option. It's light and thin - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list, making it easy to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears like a premium finish and is easier to clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.
It's important to note that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones however, they're still hot and could cause burns. We recommend cautious handling and careful positioning, keeping the plug away from children and away from areas where someone could trip over it. Many models come with a child lock which is a useful feature if you have children.