A Guide to Hobs in the UK

A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that fits into an opening in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and come with up to six cooking rings. It is easy to clean and has modern appearance.


Smart hobs that allow for customization and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also seek to improve hygiene and decrease energy consumption.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs that are sleek and efficient are a preferred choice for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to warm cookware, induction stoves employ electromagnetic technology to directly heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current runs through. When a compatible pan is placed on the cooking zone the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal in the pan, causing electrical currents and generating heat. This process makes induction hobs much more efficient in energy use and easier to clean than traditional hob types.

Induction hobs also come with a more user-friendly design. The top of the appliance is a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently being used, and the power setting you have selected. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. A majority of induction hobs come with a boost feature that can increase the power of the cooking zone for a brief period of time. This feature is helpful to speedily bring the water in a pot to a boil, or heating the pan to sear.

Many induction hobs come with a frameless design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They are usually black, however some come with other colors that be matched to your kitchen's decor. These units also have minimalist controls that are sleek and minimalist, with indicators to show power levels or other functions.

In order to maximize the benefits of your induction cooker, you'll need to use induction-compatible cookware. oven to check whether a pan is compatible is to run a magnet across its base; if the magnet is able to stick it's safe to use on an induction hob. Many induction hobs have a pan detection system to prevent overuse of energy. The coils will only be activated when an appropriate pan or pans are in use.

Induction hobs are ideal for shared households or student accommodation, as they don't have an open flame, and are safer than gas models. However, they can produce the sound of ticking or humming when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people.

Gas hobs

A gas hob uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that cookware is heated which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are more efficient in heating up and offer more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands must be removed frequently to ensure that everything is clean.

Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that use an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the combustion process. Then, they employ electrical components like sensors and switches to control the gas flow through the system and make sure that the burners function correctly. The burners can also include numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.

Based on the model you select, gas hobs include anything between one and six burners. When deciding on the number of burners, think about the dimensions of the pans you will be using. You'll have to ensure that you have enough space for the cookware you'll be using. If you are a frequent stir-fryer make sure you choose a pan with a wok burn. Some models come with griddle elements that are built-in to prepare tasty and quick breakfast or lunch.

The cost of operating a gas hob should be a major consideration when choosing one. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase than induction hobs. However, operating costs can be very different depending on local gas rates and the usage. Gas hobs require a natural gas supply, and ventilation. This could result in more expensive installation costs than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a fantastic way to combine two appliances into a single unit, reducing space in your kitchen and creating a sleeker appearance. They extract smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the stove's surface, allowing for a more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen or want to cook outside the kitchen, a portable hob could be a great option. 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 somewhere else. They are also useful if you're renovating your kitchen or simply need some extra hob space to accommodate busy times.

Induction hobs are increasingly popular in both kitchens for both home and professional use, because they are quick safe, reliable, and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil that has an electric current flowing through it, which then heats the pan that you place on the top. There isn't any wasted heat, as it is when using a gas or electric hob. This can help you save money.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones, the double ring design can be used with many different pans and pots. Its intuitive interface, good heat distribution, and the capability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a favorite among test subjects. The only downside was that it took over 12 minutes to boil a litre of water, which could be frustrating for those who are pressed for time.

This Smeg model is a good option if you want a compact option. It's light and thin with less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it simple to put away when not in use. The brushed silver finish appears elegant and is more easy to clean than the more shiny finishes found on other hobs.

These hobs can be a practical smaller alternative to full-sized versions, but they are still hot and can cause serious burns. We recommend that you handle the hob with care and put it in a safe place away from children's reach and from places where people could trip over it. Best place to buy oven and hob of models come with a child-lock, which can be useful for parents with children.