A Guide to Hobs in the UK

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

ovens and hobs is flooded with smart hobs that integrate with home automation systems, and also offer customization options. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs are sleek and efficient. hobs are one of the most sought-after options for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, as opposed to gas and electric models, which rely on heating plates to warm cookware directly make use of electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current runs through. When a suitable pan is placed in the cooking zone the coils generate a magnetic field that interacts with the metal in the pan, inducing electrical currents and generating heat. Induction hobs are more energy-efficient than traditional hobs and easier to clean.

Induction hobs are also more user-friendly. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the cooker can be used to control the oven, with a clear indication of what cooking equipment is in use and the power setting being used. The control panel can also be locked to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking zone for a short period of time. This is useful for quickly bringing boiling water to a boil or warming the pan to cook.

A lot of induction hobs feature frames that are not visible, and the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colors to match your kitchen decor. These units also come with sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators to indicate power levels or other functions.

To get the most benefit of an induction cooktop you'll need to buy cookware that's compatible with induction. If you're interested in knowing if a pan will work on an induction stove, simply run a magnet over the base of the pan. If the magnet adheres to it, then it's compatible. To avoid overusing energy Induction hobs often have a pan detection system that only activates the coils if a suitable pan is present.


Induction hobs are a great option for shared homes and student housing because they don't have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas models. They can produce a humming sound or ticking sound when they are used, which can be irritating to some.

Gas hobs

A gas stove uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas to produce the flame that heats your cookware which makes it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. They are more efficient in heating up and offer more precise temperature control than electric alternatives such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be a messy process. Burner caps and wok stands must be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Most modern gas hobs utilise electronic ignition systems, which use an electric spark or continuous electric flame to light the burners and initiate the combustion process. They then make use of electrical components, like sensors and switches, to control the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners are operating properly. The burners may also have various control knobs that can be adjusted to alter the intensity of the flame and output of heat.

Gas hobs are available in various models, with a range of one to six burners. When deciding on the number of burners, take into account the size of the pans you will be using. You'll have to ensure that there are enough for the cookware that you will use. If you frequently stir-fry choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models come with griddle elements that are integrated, allowing you to make a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch.

The cost of operating a gas hob should be a key factor when selecting one. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase costs than induction hobs, but operating costs can vary widely dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply and ventilation. This can lead to more expensive installation costs than an induction or electric hob.

Vented hobs are a fantastic method of combining two appliances into a single unit, saving space in your kitchen while creating a sleeker aesthetic. They draw steam and smoke through a duct located on the surface of the stove which allows for more efficient operation than traditional hoods.

Portable hobs

Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen or want to cook outside, a portable hob can be a great choice. They're designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and plug into, so they're easy to use and carry with you when you have to cook elsewhere. They are also helpful when you're planning to remodel your kitchen, or just want to have more space on your hob during busy times.

Induction hobs are increasingly popular, both in kitchens that are used for professional or home use due to their speed, safe, efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil with an electric current flowing through it, which warms the pan you place on the top. There isn't any wasted heat, as it is with a gas or electric hob. This will help you save money.

This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones and a double rings that can be used to cook various pots and pans. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution make it an absolute hit with testers, who even liked the capability to easily change the temperature of the two zones helpful. The only drawback was that it took over 12 minutes to boil one liter of water, which could be frustrating for those with a tight schedule.

If you're looking for a more compact model the Smeg model could be worth a glance. It's thin and light - less than half the size of some of the other models on this list - which makes it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed silver finish looks premium and is a little easier to wipe clean than the more shiny finishes on other hobs.

It's important to remember that although these hobs can be an ideal alternative to full-sized ones, they're still hot and can cause burns. This is why we recommend careful handling and sensible placement of the plug, keeping it far away from children and away from areas where people could slip over it. A lot of models come with a child-lock which is an excellent feature if you have children.