Types of Hobs

A hob (known as stove tops in North America) is a cooking appliance that heats up pans by using electricity or flames. There are many different types of hobs. You can pick the one that best fits your kitchen and design.

Induction hobs come with an elongated ceramic cooking surface and include four or five zones for heating your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are elegant and stylish, and easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a modern, sleek design. They have a flat glass-ceramic surface that is easy to clean, so spills and splatters are quickly wiped away. They are fast to heat up and are energy-efficient which means they can cut down on the cost of electricity. However, one downside of ceramic hobs is that they tend to be slow to change temperature settings and can be a hassle if you're cooking something that requires an instant reduction or an increase in heat.


Electric hobs utilize an uncooked plate that is heated by electric elements underneath. The elements can be controlled separately using rotary knobs and notched up to the level of power you require. You can also use the 'boost' feature to increase the temperature of a single area. Ceramic hobs hold heat extremely well, and even after they have been turned off, they'll be hot to the touch. This can be a challenge for families with children, so it's advisable to install them in a location which is far from any flammable items and not within reach of young children.

This type of hob can be used on a variety of worktops such as laminate or solid hardwood, as well as granite. It is also relatively affordable and is an excellent option if you're looking to replace your old hobs, but without spending a lot of money. However, just like any other appliance, they do need to be properly installed and connected to the mains, and we recommend hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure that your new hobs are safe for use.

A downside of this type of hob is that it's sensitive to pan size and shape. It is essential to purchase cookware that either matches the element exactly or is able to fit comfortably into each of the heating zones. If the cookware isn't the same size as the element, the element won't recognise it and won't heat the bottom of the pan. This could lead to inconsistent cooking results and make the hob less energy efficient.

Gas on glass hobs

Glass hobs made of gas are sleek and contemporary in appearance. Although they may be more expensive than electric models and require professional installation, they usually require less time to heat up - it's not uncommon for a full pan of water to come to a boil in four minutes or less. This type of hob also is a great choice for cooks who wish to limit the amount of heat is generated. Glass hobs are more susceptible to damage and require more frequent cleaning because they tend to build up grease and sludge.

A fantastic example of a gas on glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, which boasts four black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs for a an elegant and sophisticated look. The wok ring is 4kW for extra versatility and the pan supports are dishwasher-proof.

This Bosch gas hob is a highly recommended model. It combines a stylish piece of toughened glass and advanced cooking technology. The dual rings that are located to the left of the hob offers a double inner flame to promote improvement in uniform heat distribution and speeds up cooking times. It also comes with an excellent power level indicator that allows you to control the exact temperature of the flame. You can choose from nine preset settings, such as the highest setting for sear steaks, and a low one for scrambled eggs.

Our test subjects also appreciated the controls because they were easy to use and intuitive. A few minor drawbacks are that you must physically press the controls nine times to reach the highest heating level and it may be difficult to determine the state of the burners through the glass.

This Neff model is one of the top gas-on-glass hobs that are that are available at a low cost. While it's not going to be a winner of any design awards, it does the job well and is a fantastic addition to your kitchen for just over 120 dollars.

Electric hobs

There are a variety of electric hobs that work for modern homes. They're not just sleek and stylish, but also faster, safer and more energy efficient than their predecessors.

One of the most sought-after electric hobs is a ceramic hob. They're constructed with a sleek glazed finish and feature an easy-to-clean surface resistant to scratches or smudges. They're also typically equipped with a power boost feature which lets you increase the heat of your cooker for a brief period of time.

Another electric hob that is suitable for modern homes is an induction hob. As opposed to traditional gas and electric plate hobs, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to directly heat your cookware. This means they are more energy efficient and have precise temperature control. They require a specific kind of pan and can be costly to set up.

Hobs made of glass that are gas-powered are another great option for modern homes. Similar to a traditional gas hob, it features a burner beneath a layer of flat glass. However the glass is heat-resistant and shatterproof, which means it's easier to clean than standard glass that is tempered. Many of these hobs also have a 'hot surface indicator' that warns you when the hob is heated.

While gas hobs remain an option for many home cooks however, they can be noisy and difficult to clean. The flame can be difficult to control and take some time to get hot and cool off. Electric hobs, on other hand are more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean.

There are electric stoves that are compatible LPG gas. speaking of can switch between various fuels, allowing you the flexibility to adapt to your lifestyle. It is important to remember, however, that these hobs require the installation of an accredited gas safe engineer. They also require an appropriate cable of 6mm for your kitchen. These hobs are not suitable for those with pacemakers since the electromagnetic field could cause interference with them.

Hobs with induction

Copper coils conduct an electric current that is alternating beneath the glass surface of an induction hob. When an induction-compatible plate is placed on the hob, the coils create magnetic fields that direct heat the pan, rather than heating a surface of the worktop or heated plate. Induction hobs are extremely efficient from a energy perspective, as there's no residual heat being wasted.

There are a myriad of models of induction hobs that range from basic models that have a single cooking zone that is marked with rings to more advanced multi-zoned hobs with up to six zones, allowing the cooking of multiple pots at once on a flexible zone. Certain models feature a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. You can choose the desired temperature by sliding your finger from left to right over the power bar located in the middle. Certain models can even be programmed with settings for certain recipes or food types which can save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Induction hobs tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs. However, they are believed to be more efficient in the long run because they heat up quicker and have a smaller surface to heat up which could help lower your energy costs. They also cool quicker and feature a safer design without hot plates, which makes them ideal for families with young children or elderly persons who live in the house. However, they create magnetic fields that could interfere with some medical devices like pacemakers therefore it is essential to center your pans over the burner and avoid placing small pans on large burners.

As with all electric hobs you will need to clean your induction hob on a regular basis, as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can use an oven cleaner, or purchase a specialist cleaner to keep your hob shiny and in good condition for a longer time. You should never use the abrasive cleaning products or the scouring pad on your induction stove, as they can scratch the surface.