Leave a Pot on the Hob

Nigella's recipe often suggests that you "leave a pan on the hob" but what does this actually mean? A hob, also known as stovetop or cooktop in British English, could be either electric or gas.

Dual fuel cookers come with a gas hob and an electric oven, giving you the best of both worlds. They can offer instant heat, but they are more costly to operate than single fuel models.

Solid plate hobs

Solid plate hobs have been a stalwart of homes for a long time. Their basic design comprises flat metal plates that heat by using electricity, making them an affordable option for those who are on a tight budget. Their low cost at first can result in higher energy bills in the long run due to their inefficient use. These hobs also require a large amount of heat that is left over which means they take longer to cool down and warm down than modern hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic one that is more expensive to purchase but is much less expensive to operate. Hobs of this type come in a variety of different styles, including curving and flat and are able to be paired with a variety of ovens that can be adapted to any kitchen layout. They are also easy to clean and blend into modern homes.


Induction hobs are the next step, since they utilize electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. This means that the hob surface stays cool, reducing the risk of accidental burns and making it safer for young kids to be around. Additionally, induction hobs are the fastest of all kinds to heat up and cool down.

When you are deciding on which hob to buy it is essential to take into consideration your cooking habits and energy requirements. Solid plate hobs may be cheap, but they are not efficient. Gas and ceramic hobs, on the other hand, are more expensive but are more efficient. Induction hobs provide an alternative and combine efficiency with a elegant design.

Gas hobs

The most efficient gas hobs are simple to use, have a sleek and elegant appearance, and are made from robust materials. They should also have a good warranty and be easy to clean. They are also required to be compatible with a variety of cookware, and provide instant heat control.

A gas hob operates by connecting a gas supply to each burner, which burns the fuel to create an ignition. The flame is able to heat the pan and the air to enable precise temperature control. Certain models come with a visible flame indicator, making it easy to determine if the burners are turned off or on. Other features on gas hobs include various burners available in a variety of sizes, automatic ignition and drip tray that is removable.

Modern gas hobs are available with stainless steel or ceramic top. Some even have a sleek black finish. There are vented and open-burner hobs in accordance with the design of your kitchen. Hobs vented have an integrated extractor that takes smoke and steam from cooking pans and releases the heat outside, whereas open-burner gas stoves don't.

Open-burner hobs are classic in their appearance with a knobs and grates made of metal while vented hobs look more modern with flat, glass surfaces. Some models have an extra-wide pan supports that are ideal for large pots and pans.

Despite the increasing popularity of electric hobs, such as induction and ceramic but there is a significant number of gas hobs users. Gas cooking is popular among people who are familiar with it. However, a variety of government regulations are encouraging the phase out of appliances that use fossil fuels to energy-efficient alternatives.

Gas-powered hobs require electrical components in order to function. Therefore, it is essential to install them by a certified electrician and carpenter who will make sure that the installation is secure and meets industry standards. Your electrician will need to run a power cable as well as a gas line into your kitchen, if you're installing a gas hob for the first time. In the majority of cases, this is straightforward and won't impact your plumbing or electrical connections.

Ceramic hobs

Along with a sleek, attractive finish ceramic hobs are easy to clean and are more efficient in terms of energy consumption than gas. The heating element that is high-powered is located under the surface of each zone. The heat is then transmitted through the glass to the pan above. This can reduce energy consumption since it only heats the pan directly and not the air surrounding it. They are also easy to control, and react quickly to temperature fluctuations.

Ceramic hobs feature a flat ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp cloth when they cool. It's important to note that they're not suitable for a hot or steamy kitchen environment as the glass can discolour and crack if it becomes too warm.

Some people might be a bit sceptical about the fact that ceramic cooktops generate a certain amount of heat beneath the surface however this isn't a problem to the majority. In fact, most models are equipped with cooling fans that are integrated to help regulate this heat and keep it from impacting your kitchen or workspace. They are also insulated to help reduce heat transfer from the stove to your kitchen.

Ceramic hobs are also more versatile than induction hobs that require certain kinds of magnetically conductor cookware. However, it is recommended to avoid using any cookware made from cast iron on a ceramic hob, since it can scratch the surface.

A lot of ceramic hobs come with safety features such as residual heat indicators as well as a lockout function to prevent accidents from happening within the home. Some even have 'overflow protection', which can detect when a pot is boiling and then automatically reduce the power to the zone to minimise damage and mess. Similar to electric cookers generally, it's important to ensure the ceramic hob is installed and fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables for complete safety. This is a task best left to a professional electrician and you can be certain that your cooker will be safe and reliable to use.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs, as their name implies, have coils underneath the surface which produce magnetic fields. These fields generate heat within the pan or any metal item placed on the hob. They use less energy than other kinds of hobs, because they are cold until you have a pan on them. They also heat up faster since the heat source is through the bottom of the pan, and not from the whole cooktop's surface.

Like gas hobs, induction models have a control panel where you can choose your settings and check the power you're using. They are only compatible with cookware compatible with the electromagnetic heating mechanism. This means that it has to be made of ferrous metal or cast iron. Some non-stick and stainless steel pans also work. However, always check the label to ensure that the cookware you use is compatible with induction.

best hob Links to an external site. in shared student halls and penthouses of iQ Student Accommodation Induction hobs are sleek with LCD displays and contemporary aesthetics that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. They are safer than gas hobs that are traditional because they only start heating when a pan is placed on them, and they turn off automatically when the pan has been 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 up and down buttons on the control panel to alter the power level or a dial that is tapped for precise temperature control.

Some models come with dual flex-zones, which allows you join two zones to create a larger space to cook larger pans. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature and an indication of residual heat. Other models also have a timer that will alert you when food is ready. Induction hobs emit low-level magnetic fields that are emitted in kilohertz, which can affect medical equipment like pacemakers.