A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance for kitchens that is fitted into a cutout in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance.

Best ovens that can be customized and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also want to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs, which are elegant and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike electric and gas models that rely on heating plates to warm cookware directly employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking area the coils create an electric field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, generating electrical currents and generating heat. This makes induction hobs more efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hobs.


Induction hobs are also user-friendly. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the hob, with an obvious indication of which cooking equipment is in use and what power setting is being selected. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs have an increase function that boosts the potential of the cooking zone for a short period of time to quickly bring an entire pot of boiling water to a boil or heat a pan for searing.

A lot of induction hobs are frameless with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. Some induction hobs are available in different colours to complement your kitchen's decor. These units also come with minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators that show the power level or other functions.

To maximize the performance of your induction cooktop, you'll require cookware that is compatible with induction. The best way to determine whether a pot is compatible is to place a magnet along its base; if the magnet sticks it's safe for use on an induction hob. To prevent over-use of energy the majority of induction hobs have pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is present.

Induction hobs are an excellent choice for shared homes or student housing, as they don't have an open flame, and are more secure than gas versions. They can produce a humming sound or ticking sound when being used, which may be annoying to some people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs use natural gas or the liquefied gas that is used to heat your cookware. They are perfect for many cooking techniques. They are quicker to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stand must be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.

Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and start the process of combustion. Then, they employ electrical components, such as switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners operate correctly. The burners could also have several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat.

Based on the model you choose, gas hobs can include anything between one and six burners. Consider the size of your pans when deciding this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you frequently stir-fry make sure you choose a pan that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models also come with griddle elements built in to make tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

A key consideration when selecting gas hobs is the cost of running it. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However, operating costs can be different depending on the local gas rates and the usage. It's also worth bearing in mind that a gas hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which may increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs combine two appliances in one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more sleek appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct in the hob's surface which allows them to operate more efficiently than traditional hoods as they are able to collect steam at the cooking level rather than permitting it to rise and escape into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

A portable hob is a great option if you're looking to increase the space in your kitchen or wish to cook outdoors. They are designed to connect to the kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also take them with you if you need to cook elsewhere. They are also helpful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen or simply want more hob space in busy times.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in both home and professional kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy efficient, and easy to clean. They function by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil, which warms the pan you put on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' like with gas or electric hobs which helps keep your bills down.

This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and a double rings, which means it can be used to cook many different pans and pots. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution make it an absolute hit with testers, who even found the ability to easily alter the temperature of the two zones beneficial. The only downside is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to boil, which can be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.

If you're looking for a more compact model, this Smeg model might be worth having a take a look. It is light and thin, less than half the size as some of the other models on our list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears elegant and is more easy to clean than the shiny finishes on other hobs.

These hobs could be a great smaller alternative to full-sized versions, but they are still hot and could cause serious burns. It is recommended that you handle the hob with care and put it in a secure location far from children's reach, and away from places where people could fall over it. oven with hob of models also come with a child lock, which is a useful feature to think about if you have kids.