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 is modern in design and is easy to clean.

Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are appealing to consumers. They also want to lower the use of energy and improve hygiene.

Hobs with induction

Streamlined and efficient, induction hobs are among the most popular options for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike gas and electric models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware directly employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a pot that is compatible is placed on the cooking area the coils create a magnetic force that interacts with the metal inside the pot, generating electrical currents and heat. This process makes induction hobs more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. A full TFT display on the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob, with a clear indication of what cookware is in use and the power setting being used. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and many induction hobs have an increase function that boosts the power of a cooking zone for a brief time period to bring an entire pot of boiling water to heat a pan for searing.

Many induction hobs come with an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They typically come in black, however some come with different colors that be matched to your kitchen's decor. They are also typically equipped with minimalist, sleek controls that have indicator lights that indicate the level of power and other functions.

To maximize the performance of your induction cooktop, you'll require induction-compatible cookware. If you're trying to determine if a pan will work on an induction stove, run a magnet across the base of the pan. If the magnet adheres to it, then it's compatible. To ensure that you don't overuse energy Induction hobs often have a pan detection system that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.

Induction hobs are an excellent choice for shared homes or student accommodation as they do not feature an open flame. They are also more secure than gas versions. However, they do make a humming or ticking noise during operation that can disturb some people.

Gas hobs

A gas hob uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a variety ofn your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They draw smoke and hobs uk steam through a duct in the surface of the hob ovens and hobs uk work more efficient than traditional hoods because they can capture steam at cooking level rather than let it rise and escape into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

If you require more hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outdoors the kitchen, a portable hob could be a good option. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also carry them with you when you want to cook somewhere else. They also come in handy if you're renovating your kitchen or just need an extra space on your hob for busy times.

Induction hobs are increasingly popular in both professional and home kitchens due to their speed safe, efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil with an electric current flowing through it, which then heats the pan that you place on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with a gas or electric hob which helps reduce your expenses.

This Belling hob comes with two cooking zones, as well as a double ring design and can be used with a variety of pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution make it the most popular choice for testers, who liked the capability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones useful. The only issue was that it took more than 12 minutes to boil a litre of water, which can be a hassle for those who are time-pressed.

This Smeg model is a good choice for those looking for a compact option. It is light and thin ovens and hobs uk is less than half the size of other models on the list. This makes it simple to keep in storage when not in use. Its brushed finish looks more expensive and is more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.

It's important to remember that even though these hobs are an excellent alternative to larger ones but they're still extremely hot and can cause burns. For this reason, we suggest careful handling and judicious placement of the plug, keeping it well out of reach from children and away from areas where someone could trip over it. Many models come with a child lock that can be an excellent feature for parents with children.