Types of Hobs

A hob, which is also known as a stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans by using electric or flames. There are a variety of hobs. You can choose the one that best suits your kitchen and design.

Induction hobs are equipped with a flat ceramic surface and a range of four or five zones to heat your pans. The contemporary designs that operate with a touch are elegant and chic and are easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs can give your kitchen a sleek, modern appearance. They have a flat glass ceramic surface that's easy to clean, so spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. best ovens and hobs heat up very quickly and are energy efficient, which can help to reduce your electricity bills. However, one disadvantage of ceramic hobs is that they can be slow to adjust temperatures which can be a problem if you're cooking something that requires immediate reduction or increase in heat.

Electric hobs are made up of a solid surface that is heated from below by electric elements. These elements can be controlled individually by rotary knobs and nipped to the power level you require. You can also use the boost feature to increase the heat of a single area. Ceramic hobs also have a very high rate of heat retention, so they'll remain hot to the touch after being shut off. It's important to install ceramic hobs in a place that is far from items that could ignite and away from children's reach.

This type of hob can be mounted on a variety of worktops including laminate and solid hardwood as well as granite. It's also reasonably priced and is an excellent option if you're trying to replace your old hobs without spending too much money. However, like all appliances they need to be properly installed and connected to the mains, so we recommend hiring a professional electrician to ensure your new hobs are safe to use.


This type of hob is sensitive to the pan's size and shape. You will need to purchase cookware that is exactly the same as the element or fits comfortably in each of the heating zones. If the cookware is not the same dimensions as the element, the element won't recognise it and won't heat the bottom of the pan. This could lead to inconsistent results in cooking and makes the stove less efficient.

Gas on glass hobs

Gas-powered glass hobs have an elegant, modern look. While they cost more than electric models and may require professional installation, they typically take less time to heat up. It's not unusual for a full pan of water to boil in four minutes or less. This kind of stove is also a great choice for cooks who like to control the amount of heat being generated. However, it must be not forgotten that a glass hob can be more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel models and will need to be cleaned more frequently, as grease and residue build up tends to stick instead of sliding off.

A fantastic example of a gas on glass model is this Bertazzoni hob, which boasts four matt black monobloc burners that have precise metal control knobs that create a an elegant and sophisticated look. The wok ring is 4kW for additional versatility, and the pan supports are dishwasher-safe.

Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob, which is an attractive slab of toughened glass with advanced cooking technology. The dual ring design at the left side of the gas hob has a double inner burner to increase heat distribution and accelerate cooking. It also comes with an easy-to-read power level indicator that helps to regulate the exact temperature of your flame. You can choose from nine preset settings, including the highest setting for sear steaks and a lower one for scrambled eggs.

Our testers also liked the controls, as they were simple and intuitive. There are a few minor disadvantages, for instance, you need to press the controls nine more times to reach the maximum heating level and that the glass can make it difficult to discern what the burners are doing.

Some of the top gas-on-glass hobs are available at an affordable price like this Neff model. While it's unlikely to win any design awards, it does the job well and is an excellent addition to your kitchen at just PS120.

Electric hobs

There are a number of electric hobs that are perfect for modern homes. They are not only elegant and stylish, but they are also safer, faster and more efficient than their predecessors.

Ceramic glass hobs are among the most well-known electric stoves. These hobs are designed with sleek glazed finishes, and feature a surface that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. These hobs are also fitted with a power booster function that allows you to increase your heat for a short time.

Induction hobs are another electric hob that is ideal for modern homes. Induction hobs cook your food directly with electromagnetic fields unlike traditional electric plates and gas stoves. They are therefore more energy-efficient, and they offer precise temperature control. However they require a particular kind of pan to work with them and can be expensive to install.

Gas on glass hobs are a different option for modern homes. Similar to a traditional gas hob, it comes with a burner beneath a layer of flat glass. However the glass is shatterproof and heatproof, so it's easier to clean than standard tempered glass. Many of these hobs come with an "hot surface indicator" that warns you of the temperature.

Although gas hobs are an option that is popular with home cooks but they can be noisy and difficult to clean. The flame can be difficult to control and takes a long time to warm up and cool down. However electric hobs are energy-efficient and simpler to clean.

There are even electric stoves that work with LPG gas. This allows you to switch between different fuel sources, so you'll have the flexibility to fit your needs. It is important to remember, however, that these stoves will need to be installed by an accredited gas safe engineer. They also require a separate cable of 6mm to be installed in your kitchen. They are also not suitable for people with pacemakers as the electromagnetic field may interfere with them.

Induction hobs

On the glass surface of induction hobs sit copper coils that generate an electrical current that is alternating. When an induction-compatible plate is placed on the hob the coils produce magnetic fields which heat the pan directly instead of heating a surface of the worktop or a heated plate. Induction hobs are efficient in terms of energy efficiency, since they don't squander heat.

There are a variety of models of induction hob, from basic entry level ones with one cooking zone that is that is marked with rings to more sophisticated multi-zoned induction hobs that have up to six zones, allowing the cooking of multiple pots at once on a Flex zone. Some of these models feature the ability to control the temperature using a slider that's similar to the iPhone. You can choose the desired temperature by moving your finger from left to right over the power bar located in the middle. Some models have pre-programmed settings for specific recipes or food types which can save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs. However, they are considered to be more energy efficient in the long run as they heat up much faster and use a smaller space to heat up which could help you save on energy bills. They cool faster and also are more secure without hot plates. This makes them a great choice for families that have children or elderly residents. However, they do create magnetic forces that can affect certain medical devices, such as pacemakers. It is therefore important to center pans and avoid using smaller pans on larger burners.

As with all electric hobs, you'll need to keep your induction hob clean, as food and debris can build up over time. You can use a standard oven cleaner, or you can opt for a specialist product to keep your stove shiny and in good condition for longer. Just be sure to never use abrasive cleaners or pads for scouring on your induction hob as they could scratch the surface.