A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is a kitchen appliance that is a cutout in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is modern in design and is easy to clean.

Consumers are looking for smart hobs that can be integrated with home automation systems and offer customization options. They also are looking to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs, which are stylish and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs use electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan. On top of the glass ceramic, coils are utilized to create an alternation current. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking zone the coils create a magnetic field that interacts with the metal inside the pan, causing electrical currents and generating heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs, and they are also easier to clean.


Induction hobs also come with a more user-friendly design. The top of the appliance has a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays what cookware is currently being used, and what power setting you have selected. Best ovens UK can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. Many induction hobs have an increase function that boosts the effectiveness of a cooking zone for a brief time period to bring an entire pot of boiling water to a boil or cook in a pan to searing.

A majority of induction hobs are not frameless with the glass ceramic surface completely integrated into your countertop. They are usually black, but some offer other colors that match your kitchen decor. These units also have sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.

To get the most out of an induction cooker, you'll need to purchase cookware that is compatible with induction. If you're interested in knowing whether a pan is compatible on an induction stove, run an iron over the base of the pan. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. To prevent over-use of energy Induction hobs often have pan detection systems that only activates the coils when a compatible pan is available.

Induction hobs are an excellent choice for shared homes or student housing because they don't feature an open flame, and are safer than gas models. They can make a humming noise or ticking sound when in use, which can be annoying to some people.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs utilize natural gas or the liquefied gas that is used to heat your cookware. They are suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They are quicker to heat up and provide more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. They can be dirty to clean with burner caps and wok stand needing to be cleaned regularly to make sure that everything is clean.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, with an electric spark or continuous electric flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. They then use electrical components such as sensors and switches to control the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners operate properly. The burners could also have several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output.

Depending on the model that you select, gas hobs have anywhere between one and six burners. Be aware of the dimensions of your pans when deciding this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate all cookware you intend to use. If ovens uk are a frequent stir-fryer make sure you choose a pan that has a dedicated wok burn. Some models have griddle elements included, which means you can cook a tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing gas hobs is the cost of running it. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs. However, operating costs can vary widely depending on your local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in that a gas-powered hob requires natural gas and ventilation, which can increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.

Vented hobs are an excellent option to combine two appliances into one unit, which is great for saving space in your kitchen while giving a more sleek appearance. They draw smoke and steam through a duct on the hob's surface, allowing them to work more effectively than traditional hoods since they're able to capture steam at the cooking level instead of letting it rise and escape into your living spaces.

Portable hobs

Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen or want to take your cooking outdoors, a portable hob can be a great choice. They are designed to connect to the kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also carry them with you if you need to cook elsewhere. These are also useful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen, or if you simply want more hob space during busy times.

Induction hobs are getting more popular in both home and professional kitchens as they're quick safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil that has an electric current flowing through it, which warms the pan you place on top. There is no wasted heat like there is when using a gas or electric hob. This will help you save money.

This Belling hob has dual cooking zones and double rings, which means it can be used to cook various pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, great heat distribution and the ability to change the temperature between the two zones made it a favored among test subjects. The only issue was that it took more than 12 minutes to boil 1 litre of water which can be a hassle for those with a tight schedule.

If you're looking for a compact option the Smeg model could be worth a take a look. It's thin and light, less than half the size as some of the other models on our list. This makes it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed silver finish looks like a premium finish and is easier to wipe clean than the more shiny finishes found on other hobs.

These hobs may be a great smaller alternative to full-sized versions however, they are hot and can cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob with care and keep it in a safe place away from children's reach, and away from places where people could fall over it. Many models have a child-lock which is an excellent feature if you have children.