Types of Hobs
A hob, which is also known as stovetop in North America, is a cooking appliance that heats pans using electric or flames. There are several different types of hobs available, so you can choose one that suits your style and kitchen.
Induction Hobs Oven (
nextodate.com) are equipped with flat ceramic surfaces and either four or five zones to heat your pans. The modern touch-operated designs look sleek and stylish and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a modern, sleek design. They have a flat glass-ceramic surface that's easy to clean, meaning spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. They also heat up quickly and are energy efficient, which can help to reduce your energy bills. Ceramic hobs aren't always fast when changing the temperature settings. This can be a problem when you are cooking something that requires a rapid reduction or an increase in the heat.
Electric hobs consist of a solid surface which is heated from below by electric elements. These elements can be controlled separately by rotary knobs and nipped to the power level you require. You can also use the 'boost' feature to increase the heat of a single area. Ceramic hobs also have very high rate of heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch even after being shut off. This can be a problem when you have children, so it's recommended to install them in an area that is well away from objects that are flammable and away from little ones.
The advantage of this type of hob is that it can be installed on a variety worktops, such as laminate, solid wood and granite. It's also fairly inexpensive and is a great option for those looking to replace your old stoves without spending a lot of money. However, just like any other appliance, they do need to be installed correctly and connected to the mains, and we suggest hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure your new hobs are safe for use.
A downside of this type of
hob and oven is that it's extremely sensitive to pan size and shape. You will need to purchase cookware that is exactly the same as the element or fits comfortably in all of the heating zones. If the cookware doesn't fit the element, it will not recognise it and won't start to heat the base of the pan. This could result in inconsistent cooking results and make the stove less efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Gas on glass hobs have a sleek and modern design. Although they may cost more than electric ones and require professional installation, they typically require less time to heat up - it's not uncommon for a complete pan of water to be boiling within four minutes or less. This type of hob also works well for cooks who wish to control how much heat is produced. However, it must be observed that a glass-based hob is more prone to damage than stainless steel models and may require cleaning more often, since grease and residue build up tends to stick rather than slide off.
One of the
best ovens and hobs examples of a gas on glass model is this Bertazzoni
best hob uk, which boasts four black monobloc burners, each with precise metal control knobs that create a a stylish and sophisticated finish. It also has the wok ring that has 4kW for additional versatility, as well as pan supports that are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
This Bosch gas hob is a highly recommended model. It combines a stylish piece of toughened glass with modern cooking technology. The dual ring design at the left of the gas hob has an inner burner that doubles to increase the distribution of heat and increase the speed of cooking. It also features an indicator for power that allows you to regulate the exact temperature of the flame. You can choose between nine preset settings, such as the highest setting for sear steaks and a low one for scrambled egg.
The simple, yet easy-to-use controls were also appreciated by our testers who found them be very simple to use. Some minor disadvantages include the fact that you have to physically press the controls nine times to reach the highest temperature, and that it can be difficult to discern the status of the burners through the glass.
This Neff model is one of the top gas-on-glass
best hobs that are that you can buy at a reasonable price. It's not going to win any design prizes but it'll do the job and can be an excellent option for your kitchen at just more than PS120.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are perfect for modern homes. Not only do they have an elegant design that fits in with the rest of your kitchen as well, but they also offer advanced functionality that is safer, quicker and more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most well-known electric stoves. They're made with a sleek, glazed finish and feature an easy-to-clean surface that's resistant to smudges or scratches. These hobs are also fitted with a power booster function which allows you to boost the heat for a short period of time.
Another electric hob that is suitable for modern homes is an induction hob. Unlike traditional gas and electric plate hobs, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. They are therefore more energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. However they require a particular type of pan to function and can be expensive to install.
Hobs made of glass that are gas-powered are a great alternative for modern homes. Similar to a standard gas hob, it features the burner underneath the glass is a flat layer. However the glass is shatterproof and heatproof, so it's easier to clean than tempered glass. Many of these hobs also have a 'hot surface indicator', which informs you when the oven is hot.
Although gas hobs are a popular option for many home cooks however, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They can take a long time to warm up and cool down, and their flame can be difficult to control. Electric hobs, on the other hand are more energy efficient and are easier to clean.
To achieve the highest level of modern efficiency You can also find electric hobs compatible with LPG gas. This allows you to switch between various fuel sources, so you can adjust your cooking to fit your needs. It's important to keep in mind that these stoves must be installed by a gas safe registered engineer and require a 6mm cable to be installed in your kitchen. These hobs are not suitable for those who have pacemakers as the electromagnetic field can interfere with them.
Induction hobs
Copper coils run an alternating electric current under the glass surface of an induction hob. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on a hob the coils produce magnetic fields that generate heat directly inside the pan rather than heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or a heated plate (electric). Induction hobs are extremely efficient from an energy point of view since there's no heat that is wasted.
There are a variety of models of induction stoves from the basic ones with a single zone identified by rings up to more advanced multi zoned induction stoves with up to six zones that allow multiple pots to be cooked simultaneously on one flex area. Some of these premium models have an adjustable slider control similar to the iPhone. You can choose the desired temperature by moving your finger from left to right over the power bar in the middle. Some models have preset settings for specific recipes or food types that can cut down time in the kitchen.
Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs, however they are considered to be more efficient in the long run since they heat up quicker and have a smaller surface to heat up, which can help you save on energy bills. They cool faster and also are safer than traditional hobs that do not have hot plates. This makes them perfect for families that have elderly or children. However, they create a magnetic field which could affect medical devices like pacemakers therefore it is essential to center your pans on the burner and avoid using small pans on large burners.
As with all electric hobs you will have to clean your induction hob regularly, as food particles and other debris may build up over time. You can employ a standard oven cleaner or invest in a professional one to keep your stove in good shape and shiny for longer. Just be sure to never use the abrasive cleaning pads or pads to scour your induction hob as they can scratch the surface.