Leave a Pot on the Hob

The recipe from Nigella's cookbook often recommends that you "leave pans on the hob", but what does that actually mean? Hob is the British term for a cooktop or stove top and can be gas or electric.


Dual fuel cookers include gas hobs and an electric oven, giving you the best of both worlds. They can be instantaneous in heating however they are more costly to operate than single fuel models.

Hobs made of solid plates

Solid plate hobs are an essential in many homes. Their basic design comprises flat metal plates that heat up by using electricity, which makes them a cost-effective choice for those who are on a tight budget. However, their low initial price tag can result in higher electricity costs in the future due to their inefficient energy usage. These hobs require a lot of heat that remains and take longer to cool down or heat down.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic one which is more expensive to purchase but is much less expensive to run. Hobs of this type are available in a variety of styles, such as straight and curved, and can be combined with ovens that can be adapted to any kitchen layout. Moreover, they're easy to clean and integrate well into the majority of modern homes.

The next step up is the induction hob, which makes use of electromagnetic fields to warm your cookware directly. This means that the hob surface stays cool, reducing the chance of accidental burns and making it safer for small youngsters to touch. In addition induction hobs are the quickest of all kinds to heat up and cool down.

It's important to consider your cooking habits and your energy requirements when deciding on the type of hob you should purchase. Solid plate hobs are affordable to purchase but inefficient as gas and ceramic hobs are more costly but more efficient. Induction hobs are a good compromise, as they combine the efficiency of a gas hob with a fashionable look.

Gas hobs

The most efficient gas hobs are simple to use, have a neat and elegant appearance, and are constructed from durable materials. They should have a good guarantee and be easy-to-clean. In addition, they should be compatible with a broad selection of cookware, and provide instant heat control.

A gas hob operates by connecting a gas supply to each burner, which burns the fuel to create the flame. The flame is heated by the air and the pan and allows for precise temperature control. Some models come with a visual flame indication, making it easy to determine if the burners are on or off at an instant. Gas hobs also have multiple burners of different sizes as well as automatic ignition and an adjustable drip pan.

Modern gas hobs are available with a ceramic or stainless steel top. Some have sleek black finishes. You can pick between open-burner and vented hobs depending on the design of your kitchen. Vented hobs have a built-in extractor that draws steam and smoke from cooking pans, and then releases them outside, while open-burner gas stoves don't.

Open-burner stoves feature an elegant look, with metal knobs, grates and handles, while vented stoves are more modern with a glass-like surface. Some models come with extra-wide pan support which are ideal for large pots and pans.

Despite the increasing popularity of electric hobs, such as ceramic and induction however, there is a significant customer base for gas hobs. Gas cooking is popular among people who are familiar with gas cooking. A number of government regulations encourage the phase-out of fossil fuel-based appliances and the use of energy-efficient alternatives.

Gas-powered hobs are all electrical components in order to function. It is therefore essential to have them installed by a qualified electrician and carpenter who will make sure that the installation is secure and meets the industry standards. If you are installing a gas hob your electrician will have to connect an electrical power cable and a gas pipe into your kitchen. In most cases, this is straightforward and doesn't affect the plumbing or electrical connections.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs have a elegant and attractive appearance, are easy to maintain and more efficient than gas. They function by utilizing high-powered heating elements underneath the surface of each zone. The heat is then transmitted through the glass to the pan above. This helps reduce energy consumption since it only requires the power needed to heat the pan directly and not the air surrounding it. They are also easy to control, and react quickly to temperature changes.

The flat surface of a ceramic hob is easy to clean spills and splatters can be cleaned off with a clean cloth once they cool. You should keep in mind that they are not suitable for a humid or hot kitchen because the glass will crack and discolour.

Most people aren't bothered by the fact that ceramic hobs generate some heat under the surface. Best ovens UK are equipped with cooling fans that manage the heat that is generated beneath the surface and stop it from affecting kitchens and workspaces. They're also insulated and designed to minimise heat transfer between the hob and your kitchen.

Another advantage of ceramic hobs is that they are compatible with all kinds of cookware, in contrast to induction hobs, which require a specific type of magnetically conductor pan. However, it is recommended to avoid using any cookware made from cast iron on a ceramic stove, since it can scratch the surface.

Many ceramic hobs come fitted with a range of safety features including residual heat indicators and locks to reduce accidents in the kitchen. Some have even 'overflow safety which detects when a cooking pot is boiling and will automatically cut the power to the zone to reduce the risk of the damage and mess. As with electric cookers in general it is crucial to ensure a ceramic hob is correctly installed and fitted with the correct breakers and cables to ensure complete safety. This is something that should be left to a professional electrician, so you can be confident that your hob is safe and reliable to use.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs, like their name implies, have coils underneath the surface which produce magnetic fields. These fields generate heat in the pan or any metal item placed on the hob. They use less energy than other types of hobs since they are cold until you have a pan on them. They also heat up more efficiently because heat is generated from the bottom of a pan and not the entire cooktop's surface.

Induction models are similar to gas hobs in that they come with a control panel on which you can set your preferences and track how much power is being used. However, unlike a traditional gas hob, they only work using cookware that's compatible with their heating mechanism using electromagnetic energy which means that it has to have a flat, even thick base made of ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Stainless steel and some non-stick pans also work, but make sure you check the label or run a magnet across the base to confirm that your cookware is induction compatible.

A popular choice in shared student halls as well as penthouses of iQ Student Accommodation, induction hobs have sleek LCD displays and modern aesthetics that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. Induction hobs are safer than traditional gas stoves because they only heat when the pan is placed on top of them, and they shut off automatically when the pan is removed.

Induction hobs can be controlled in the same manner as an iPhone using a swipe gesture on the slider to set your preferred heat level. There are also buttons to move up and down on the control panel to alter the power level or an adjustable dial that can be tapped for precise temperature control.

Certain models come with dual flex-zones that allows you to join two zones to create a larger area to cook larger pots. Others feature automatic shut-off and a residual heat indicator and a timer to inform you when food is ready. Induction hobs emit a low-level magnetic field at frequencies within the kilohertz band that can affect certain medical devices, like pacemakers, which is why it's crucial to keep them away from your body when they are not in use.