A Guide to Hobs in the UK


A hob is an appliance for kitchens that is an opening in the worktop. It can be either electric or gas, and have up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance.

Smart hobs that allow for customization and are compatible with home automation systems are appealing to consumers. They also want to cut down on energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs, which are elegant and efficient, are a popular choice for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, in contrast to gas and electric models that rely on heating plate to heat cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to 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 area the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal within the pan, generating electrical currents, and producing heat. This makes induction hobs efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hobs.

Induction hobs are also user-friendly. The top of the appliance has an all-TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays what cookware is currently in use and what power setting you have chosen. The control panel may also be secured to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs feature a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking zone for a brief period of time. This is useful for quickly bringing a pot of boiling water to a boil or heating the pan to sear.

Many induction hobs have an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly incorporated into the countertop. Induction hobs can be found in other colours to match your kitchen's decor. They also often have sleek, minimalist controls with indicator lights to indicate the level of power and other functions.

To maximize the benefits of your induction cooker, you'll require induction-compatible cookware. The best way to check whether a pan is compatible is to place a magnet along its base. If the magnet stays, it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. A majority of induction hobs come with pan detection systems to ensure that they don't use too much energy. The coils are only activated when an appropriate pan or pans are available.

ovens can be a great choice for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame and are safer than gas models. However, they can produce the sound of ticking or humming in operation, which may irritate some people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs make use of natural gas or the liquefied gas that is used to heat your cookware. They are ideal for many cooking techniques. They are precise in temperature control, and are quicker to heat up than other electric alternatives, such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands must be removed frequently to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They use electrical components, such as switches and sensors to regulate the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners are operating properly. The burners may also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.

Depending on the model you choose, gas hobs come with anywhere from one to six burners. Consider the size of your pans when deciding this number, since you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate all cookware you intend to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer, choose a model that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models have griddle elements included, which means you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.

The cost of operating a gas stove should be a major consideration when deciding on one. Gas hobs generally come with lower initial costs than induction hobs. However, operating costs can differ greatly according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. It is important to keep in mind that a gas hob requires natural gas supplies and ventilation, which may increase the cost of installation over an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs integrate two appliances in one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They extract smoke and steam through a duct located on the stove's surface, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

If you require more hob space in your kitchen or you want to cook outside an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a great choice. They're designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug in, so they're easy to use and take with you when you have to cook somewhere else. They are also helpful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen, or if you need more space for your hob in busy times.

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

This Belling hob features dual cooking zones, with a double ring design, and can be used with a variety of pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the ability to change the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among test subjects. The only downside was that it took over 12 minutes to boil a litre of water, which could be a problem for those who are time-pressed.

If you're looking for a compact model the Smeg model could be worth taking a look. It's light and thin - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list, making it easy to store when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more premium and is easier to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish.

It's important to note that even though these hobs are an excellent alternative to larger ones but they're still extremely hot and can cause burns. This is why 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. The majority of models also come with a child lock, which is a useful feature to consider when you have children.