Leave a Pot on the Hob

The recipe of Nigella often suggests that you "leave a pan on the stove", but what does that actually mean? A hob is the British term for cooktop or stove top and can be electric or gas-powered.

Dual fuel cookers have both a gas hob and an electric oven giving you the best of both worlds. They are quick to heat, but can be more expensive to run than single fuel models.

Hobs made of solid plates

Solid plate hobs have been a stalwart of many homes for decades. Their basic design is made up of flat metal plates that are heated by using electricity, which makes them an affordable option for those who are on a tight budget. However, their initial cost can cause higher electricity costs over time because of their inefficient energy use. They also require a significant amount of heat that is left over and take longer to cool down and warm down than modern hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic that is more expensive to purchase, but far less expensive to operate. These hobs come in a variety of different styles, including flat and curved, and can be combined with a variety of oven s to fit any kitchen layout. Moreover, they're easy to clean and fit seamlessly into modern homes.

Induction hobs are the next step since they utilize electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. This means that the hob surface remains cool, reducing the chance of burns from accidental sources and making it safer for young kids to be around. ovens and hobs uk that are induction also get hot and cool off the fastest.

When you are deciding on which hob to buy it is important to think about your cooking habits and energy needs. Solid plate hobs are inexpensive to purchase but inefficient, while ceramic and gas hobs are more expensive but more efficient. Induction hobs provide an intermediate option and combine efficiency with a stylish design.

Gas hobs

The top gas stoves are easy-to-use and stylish. They also have an attractive appearance. They should also come with a long-lasting warranty and be easy to clean. They should also be compatible with a range of cookware and offer instant heat control.

A gas hob functions by connecting the gas supply to each burner, which then burns the fuel to create a flame. The flame heats the pan and the air, allowing for precise temperature control. Some models have a visual flame indicator, making it easy to tell when the burners are on or off. Other features that are available on gas hobs include multiple burners in a variety of sizes, an automatic ignition and drip tray that is removable.

Modern gas hobs can be purchased with either a stainless steel or ceramic top. Some even have sleek black finishes. Depending on the style of your kitchen there is also the option of selecting vented or open-burner gas cooktops. Vented hobs have a built-in extractor that collects smoke and steam from cooking pans and lets the heat outside, whereas open-burner gas stoves don't.

Open-burner stoves have a classic look with metal grates, knobs and handles, while vented stoves are more modern with a flat glass surface. Some models come with an extra-wide pan support, which is a boon for larger pots and pans.

Gas hobs are still in high demand despite the popularity of electric hobs, such as ceramic and induction. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and the familiarity with gas cooking. However, several government regulations are encouraging the elimination of appliances powered by fossil fuels in favour of energy-efficient alternatives.

Gas-powered hobs are all electrical components to function. It is therefore important to install them by a qualified electrician and carpenter who can ensure that the installation is safe and meets the industry standards. If you are installing a gas-powered hob the electrician you choose to work with will need to run the power cable and gas pipe into your kitchen. In the majority of instances, this is a simple task and won't impact your existing electrical or plumbing connections.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs are elegant and attractive appearance and are easy to maintain and more efficient than gas. The heating element that is high-powered is placed beneath the surface of every zone. The heat is then transferred through the glass to the pan above. This reduces energy wastage as it only direct heats the pan, and not the air surrounding it. They are also simple to control and respond quickly to temperature changes.

The flat ceramic surface of a ceramic cooker is easy to clean spills and splatters are easily cleaned away with a cloth once they cool. You should keep in mind that they are not suitable for a steamy or hot kitchen as the glass can crack and discolour.

Some people might be frightened by the fact that ceramic hobs generate a certain amount of heat beneath the surface however, this isn't a problem for the majority of. Most models are equipped with cooling fans to manage the heat below the surface and keep it from affecting kitchens and workspaces. They're also made of acoustic insulation to limit heat transfer between your hob and your kitchen.


Ceramic hobs can also be more versatile than induction hobs, which require certain types of magnetically conductive cookware. Cast iron cookware should not be placed on a ceramic stove because it may scratch the surface.

Many ceramic hobs come fitted with a range of safety features including residual heat indicators, as well as locks to reduce accidents in the kitchen. Certain ceramic hobs feature the feature of 'overflow prevention which detects when a pot is boiling over and automatically reduces power to the area it is in to minimise damage. Like electric cookers in general it is crucial to ensure the ceramic hob is installed and equipped with the appropriate breakers and cables to ensure complete safety. It's best to leave this to a certified electrical engineer, so that you can be sure that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.

Induction hobs

As their name suggests, induction hobs have coils under the surface that generate magnetic fields that generate heat within the pan or in any metal objects placed on it. They require less power than other kinds of electric hobs due to the fact that they are cool until a pan is placed put on them. They are more efficient at heating up a pan because the heat generated comes from the bottom of the pan, rather than the entire cooktop.

Induction models are similar to gas hobs in that they come with a control panel, where you can set your preferences and see how much power is utilized. They only work with cookware compatible with the electromagnetic heating mechanism. This means that it has to be made of ferrous metal or cast iron. Some stainless steel and non-stick pans will also work. But, make sure to check the label to ensure that the cookware you use is compatible with induction.

A popular choice for shared student halls as well as iQ Student Accommodation penthouses Induction hobs feature sleek LCD displays and modern design that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. They are safer than gas hobs with traditional designs because they only get hot when they are placed on them, and then they shut off automatically after the pan is removed.

Induction hobs are controlled similar to the controls on an iPhone. A swipe gesture on the slider will adjust your preferred heat level. There are usually also up and down arrows on the control panel that allow you to adjust the power level, or use a dial to control the temperature precisely.

As well as nine power levels, certain models come with two flex zones which lets you join two zones together to create a larger cooking space for larger pots. Some models have automatic shut-off, residual heat indicators, and a timer that will inform you when your food is ready. All induction hobs emit low-level magnetic fields with frequencies in kilohertz. These could affect medical equipment, such as pacemakers.