What is a Hob?

Hob is a regulated exocytosis protein. It has been found that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory apparatus and is required for professional secretory cell function.

In the British kitchen a hob is the same as a cooktop. Nigella often suggests that you place a pot on the hob. The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs employ magnetism, rather than direct heat to heat pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils through which an alternating electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on the top of the cooktop it creates a magnetic field which generates electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch, thereby saving energy compared with electric and gas models.

Another benefit is that induction hobs are more secure than their traditional gas counterparts and have no open flames to cause burns to your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student residences and iQ Student Accommodation flats, where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of hob does not get hot, and is easily cleaned using a damp rag.

Induction requires specific pans. You will need pans that have a flat, thick base comprised of ferrous metals, like cast iron and steel. To determine if the pans are induction-compatible, you should run a magnet along the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction hob.

Other popular choices are ceramic hobs, which have an elegant appearance and are available in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up however, they typically consume more energy than induction stoves due to the fact that they make use of the entire surface of glass-ceramic. They are easy to keep clean too, as the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth, and the majority of them come with dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.

If you're looking to get the most efficient of both, choose an induction cooktop with a TFT screen which shows the location of your cookware, as well as an adjustable control panel that can adjust the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes to choose from (boil melt, slow and boil cook) and a boost function to give you faster results. It has control locks to avoid accidental button pushing and comes with a residual heat indicator and auto switch-off in the event that you forget your hob.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs make use of propane or natural gas to heat their ovens and burners. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling sauteing, as other cooking techniques. Although it might not be as energy-efficient as an electric hob, a gas hob is generally less expensive to operate than one powered by electricity.

Gas hobs are also free of electricity. This means they're able to continue to function even in power outages, but at a slower pace. It also has a lower risk of fire since the heat of the burners is confined to the pans they come in contact with. It's still important to keep flammable materials away from the burners and follow safe cooking practices to prevent accidental fires.

A modern gas hob is a combination of traditional gas burners and various electrical components that control the burner's ignition, flame output, and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or a pilot flame to light the burner. The control knobs allow you to alter the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Many include a built-in timer that lets you set a precise cooking duration.

Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually lower than an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas rates. Some gas hobs are compatible with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be cheaper than natural gas.

hob and oven of a gas stove is that it requires more care than electric ones. The burner grates are more likely to attract greasy spills, and you'll need to wipe down the flat, rimless cooking surface more often to prevent food debris from becoming lodged in crevices. Luckily, certain brands, like FUJIOH has made maintenance easier by utilizing stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron grates which can be removed for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils which can gather debris.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They utilize electric coils that generate heat under the cooking zone. Many models have residual heat indicators that tell you what zones were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This reduces the risk of accidents and is especially helpful in households with children. Some models also come with overflow protection which detects when a pan is boiling and then automatically shuts off the oven to stop spills from happening.


Created to be elegant and stylish, these induction hobs work by transferring an electric charge through copper coils, which create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. Induction hobs are faster at boiling than gas hobs, and offer precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

However, these kinds of cooktops can be more expensive than gas models and need to be installed by an experienced professional. Some are equipped with a flat glass ceramic cooktops to give them a modern look. They also offer many features including timers, child locks, auto shutoff and built-in food sensors.

A favorite choice among customers electric ceramic hobs give the best of both by providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to scratching, burning and stains. They are also available in a wide selection of colors to complement your kitchen's design. Some are pre-installed with trims and panels to give an uni-directional finish.

Similar to induction hobs, these hobs require regular maintenance, with grates and burner caps having to be cleaned regularly and soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They also are susceptible to staining from liquid spillages and are a little slower than other hob types to heat up, however they have excellent energy efficiency.

The best hobs

Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform any culinary endeavour into a music of flavours. If you're looking to create your cooking arsenal from scratch or just looking for an upgrade, we have a variety of hob models to suit your needs and budget.

The most elegant hobs are stylish and durable, as well as easy to clean. They come with a range of features that will allow you to cook effortlessly. Ceramic or induction and gas are the most popular choices.

Ceramic hobs are energy-efficient and easy to clean because they employ electric heating elements that are placed on glass surfaces. They are quick to heat up and offer precise temperature control, making them suitable for all types of cookware. Certain models come with residual heat indicators which warn you if the glass surface remains hot.

Induction hobs function by creating magnetic fields between the element and the pan which allows heat to be generated only where it is required. They are more efficient in heating than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs, and they provide excellent energy efficiency.

Gas hobs are the more traditional choice and are favored by a lot of professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. They are also affordable and can be used in most pans. They can be difficult to clean, however, because the grates and burners are susceptible to having nooks and crevices where dirt could hide.

Solid plate hobs offer a good heat distribution and are long-lasting. They are ideal for use on a daily basis. They are generally cheaper than induction or gas hobs and are ideal if you are limited in space. Some are able to be converted for use with bottled LPG and can be used with all types of pans. However, they will take a little longer to warm up and cool down, and aren't suitable for simmering. Modern ovens come with child locks, and a range of safety features that ensure your safety.