Leave a Pot on the Hob

Nigella's recipe often recommends that you "leave a pan on the hob" however what exactly is the actual meaning of this? Best place to buy oven and hob is the British term for cooktop or stove top and is usually gas or electric.

Dual fuel cookers come with gas hobs as well as an electric oven that gives you the best of both worlds. They can provide instant heat, but they are more expensive to run than single fuel models.

Hobs made of solid plates


Solid plate hobs are a staple in many homes. They are an excellent choice for those who want to save money. Their design is made of flat metal plates that are heated by using electricity. Their low initial cost can lead to higher energy bills over time because of their inefficient use. These hobs also require a large amount of heat that is left over, meaning that they take longer to warm up and cool down than modern models.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic hob which is more expensive to purchase, but is much less expensive to run. These hobs are available in a range of styles, such as flat and curved and can be paired with ovens to suit any kitchen layout. They are easy to clean and blend into modern homes.

Induction hobs are the next step as they use electromagnetic fields to cookware directly. The surface of the hob is cool, which decreases the risk of burns. It is also safer for children to touch. Hobs that are induction also are able to heat up and cool down the fastest.

When choosing which hob to buy it is essential to take into consideration your cooking habits and energy requirements. Solid plate hobs are inexpensive to purchase, but they're not efficient, while ceramic and gas hobs are more expensive but more efficient. Induction hobs can be a good alternative, as they blend efficiency with a stylish look.

Gas hobs

The best gas hobs are simple to use, have a clean and attractive appearance and are made of durable materials. They should come with a solid guarantee and be easy-to-clean. They should also be compatible with a range of cookware and offer instant heat control.

A gas hob operates by connecting the gas supply to each burner, which then burns the fuel to create the flame. The flame warms both the pan and the air which allows for precise temperature control. Some models feature a visual flame indicator, making it easy to know when the burners are turned off or on. Gas hobs also have multiple burners of different sizes as well as automatic ignition and an adjustable drip pan.

Modern gas hobs come with either a stainless steel or ceramic top. Some even have an elegant black finish. You can choose between open-burner and vented hobs depending on the design of your kitchen. Open-burner gas stoves don't include an extractor which removes the steam and smoke from the cooking pans.

Open-burner stoves sport an elegant look, with metal knobs, grates and handles, whereas vented stoves are sleeker with a glass-like surface. Some models have an extra-wide pan support which are ideal for large pans and pots.

Gas hobs remain popular despite the increasing popularity of electric hobs like induction and ceramic. This is partly due to consumer preferences and the familiarity of gas cooking. A number of government regulations encourage the gradual elimination of appliances that use fossil fuels and the use of energy-efficient alternatives.

All gas-powered hobs require electrical components to operate, which is why it is crucial to have your gas hob installed by a skilled carpenter and electrician who will make sure that the installation is safe and conform to industry standards. Your electrician will need to run a power line and gas lines into your kitchen if you are installing a new gas hob. This is typically a straightforward process that doesn't impact your existing piping or electrical connections.

Ceramic hobs

In addition to a stylish, attractive and sleek look ceramic hobs are simple to clean and more energy efficient than gas hobs. The high-powered heating element is situated under the surface of each zone. The heat is then transmitted through the glass to the pan above. This reduces energy waste as it only requires the power needed to heat the pan directly and not the air around it. They're also simple to regulate and react quickly to temperature changes.

The flat ceramic surface of a ceramic cooker is easy to clean, so spills and splatters can be cleaned off with a damp cloth once they cool. Be aware that they are not suitable for a steamy or hot kitchen because the glass will break and turn discolored.

Some people may be frightened by the fact that ceramic hobs produce some heat beneath the surface however this isn't an issue for most. The majority of models come with cooling fans to manage the heat under the surface and stop it from affecting kitchens and workspaces. They are also insulated to help reduce heat transfer from the hob to your kitchen.

Ceramic hobs are also more versatile than induction hobs, which need certain kinds of magnetically conductive cookware. However, it's recommended to avoid using any cookware made from cast iron on a ceramic stove, because it could scratch the surface.

Many ceramic hobs are fitted with safety features such as residual heat indicators as well as a lockout function to reduce the risk of accidents within the home. Some have even 'overflow safety that can sense when a cooking pot is boiling and then automatically cut the power source to the area to minimise damage and mess. Like electric cookers it is essential to ensure that the ceramic hob is installed and configured with the correct breakers and cables to ensure complete safety. It's best to delegate this to a trained electrical engineer to be sure that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs, as the name suggests have coils beneath the surface which produce magnetic fields. These fields create heat within the pan or any metal item placed on the hob. They consume less energy than other kinds of hobs because they are cold until you have a pan placed on them. They also heat up faster since the heat source is through the bottom of the pan, not from the entire cooktop surface.

Like gas hobs, induction models have an control panel on which you can select your settings and also see the amount of power you're using. However unlike a traditional gas hob they can only be used using cookware that's compatible with their heating mechanism using electromagnetic energy that means it must have a flat, even thick base made of ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Stainless steel and a few non-stick cookwares work, but make sure you check the label or use a magnet on the base to ensure your cookware is compatible with induction.

A popular option in shared student halls as well as penthouses of iQ Student Accommodation Induction hobs are sleek with LCD displays and modern aesthetics that fit seamlessly into contemporary kitchens. They're safer than gas hobs with traditional designs because they only heat up when they are placed on them, and then they shut off automatically after the pan is removed.

Induction hobs operate similarly to the controls on an iPhone. A swipe on the slider will set your preferred temperature level. There are also usually up and down arrows on the control panel that permit you to alter the power level, or use a dial to control the temperature precisely.

In addition to nine power levels, certain models also have two flex zones which lets you connect two zones to create a larger cooking space for larger saucepans. Certain models feature an automatic switch-off and a residual heat indication. Other models also have an alarm that informs you when the food is ready. All induction hobs emit low-level magnetic fields at frequencies in kilohertz. These can cause damage to medical equipment such as pacemakers.