Types of Hobs
A hob, which is also known as stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans with electric power or flames. There are several different types of hobs, so you can pick one that is best suited to your preferences and kitchen.
Induction hobs come with flat ceramic surfaces and a range of four or five zones to heat your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and fashionable, and are easy to clean.
Ceramic hobs
Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a sleek, modern appearance. The flat glass-ceramic surfaces are simple to clean and can easily be cleaned when spills or splatters happen. They are quick to heat up and are energy efficient which means they can cut down on the cost of electricity. However, one downside of ceramic hobs is that they can be slow to change temperature settings, which can be frustrating when cooking something that requires an instant reduction or increase in temperature.
Electric hobs are made up of a solid surface that is heated from below by electric elements. The power of each element can be individually adjusted by rotary knobs. You can utilize the Boost feature to raise the temperature of a particular zone. Ceramic hobs also have very high heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch after being shut off. This could be a problem when you have children, so it's recommended to place them in a location which is far from objects that are flammable and away from children.
This kind of hob can be installed on a variety worktops, including laminate and solid hardwood as well as granite. It's also fairly affordable and is an excellent option if you're looking to replace your previous hobs without spending a lot of money. However, just like any other appliance, they must be properly installed and connected to the mains, so we recommend hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure your new hobs are safe to use.
This type of hob is sensitive to pan sizes and shapes. You will need to purchase cookware that either is exactly the same as the element or fits comfortably in each of the heating zones. If the cookware doesn't match, then the element won't recognize it and won't begin to heat the bottom of the pan. This can result in cooking that is uneven and make the hob less efficient.
Gas on glass hobs
Glass hobs made of gas are sleek and contemporary in design. Although they may be more expensive than electric models and require professional installation, they usually require less time to heat up - it's not uncommon for a complete pan of water to come to a boil within four minutes or less. This kind of hob is also a great option for cooks who prefer to limit the amount of heat being produced. Glass hobs are more vulnerable to damage and require more frequent cleaning since they tend to accumulate grease and sludge.
A great example of a gas-on-glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, that has four black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs to create a stylish and sophisticated finish. The wok ring has a power of 4kW to allow for more versatility and the pan supports are dishwasher-safe.
Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob that combines an attractive slab of toughened glass with the latest cooking technology. The dual ring design at the left of the gas hob has a double inner burner to improve heat distribution and speed up cooking. It also has an easy-to-read power level indicator, which assists in regulating the precise temperature of your flame. You can choose between nine pre-set settings, like a high setting to sear steaks, and a low one for scrambled eggs.
Our test participants also liked the controls, as they were simple and easy to use. Some minor disadvantages are the fact that you need to physically press the controls nine times to reach the highest heating level and it may be difficult to determine the status of the burners through the glass.
This Neff model is among the best gas-on-glass hobs that you can buy at a reasonable price. While it's not going to win any design awards, it does the job well and can be a fantastic addition to your kitchen for less than 120 dollars.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are ideal for modern homes. They not only offer a sleek design that fits in with the rest of your kitchen as well, but they also offer advanced functionality that is safer, more efficient and efficient than their predecessors in terms of energy consumption.
Ceramic glass hobs are among the most sought-after electric stoves. These hobs are designed with a sleek glazed finish, and have an easy surface to clean and resistant to scratches. These hobs also come with a power booster feature that allows you to increase the heat for a short time.
Another electric hob that is ideal for modern homes is an induction hob. Induction hobs heat your cookware directly by using electromagnetic fields, unlike traditional electric and gas plates. This means that they are more energy efficient and have precise temperature control. They require a special kind of pan and can be costly to install.
A gas on glass hob is a different option that's an excellent choice for modern homes. Similar to a standard gas hob, it comes with the burner underneath the glass is a flat layer. The glass is heatproof as well as shatterproof, making it easier to clean than glass that is tempered. Many of these hobs also come with a 'hot surface indicator' that warns you when the hob is hot.
Gas hobs are a popular choice for a lot of home cooks however they can be noisy and difficult to clean. They also take time to heat up and cool down and their flame can be hard to manage. Electric hobs on the other side, are more energy efficient and easier to clean.
You can even find electric stoves that work with LPG gas. This lets you switch between different fuel sources, meaning you'll be able to suit your lifestyle. However, it's important to remember that these hobs must be installed by a registered gas safe engineer and will require a dedicated 6mm cable for your kitchen. They're also not suitable for people with pacemakers, as the electromagnetic field may cause interference with them.
Hobs with induction
On the glass surface of induction hobs are copper coils that run an alternating electrical current. When an induction-compatible dish is placed on a stove, the coils produce magnetic fields that generate heat directly inside the pan rather than heating the surface of the worktop (gas) or ovensandhobs.uk a heated plate (electric). Induction hobs are very efficient in terms of energy efficiency, since they don't use any heat.
There are a variety of models of induction hob, from basic entry level models that have only one cooking zone with rings to more advanced multi-zoned hobs that have up to six zones, allowing you to cook multiple pots simultaneously on one flexible zone. Certain models feature the ability to control the temperature using a slider that's similar to the iPhone. Simply swipe your finger over the power bar in the middle to choose the desired level of heat left to right increases heat and right-to-left decreases it. Some models even have pre-programmed settings for certain recipes or food types that can help you save time and effort in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are more expensive than ceramic hobs. However they are also more efficient in the long term. They heat up faster and have a smaller heating area which could reduce your energy costs. They also cool down faster and have a safer design without hot plates, which makes them perfect for families with children or elderly people living in the home. They do, however, create a magnetic force that could affect certain medical devices, such as pacemakers. It is therefore crucial to center the pans and avoid using smaller pans on bigger burners.
Like all electric hobs you'll need to keep your induction hob clean regularly as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use a standard oven cleaner, or opt for a specialist product to keep your stove clean and in good shape for longer. Just be sure to never use the abrasive cleaning pads or pads for scouring on your induction cooker as they can scratch the surface.