Leave a Pot on the Hob

The recipe of Nigella often recommends that you "leave a pan on the stove", but what does that actually mean? A hob, or stovetop or cooktop in British English, can be gas or electric.

Dual fuel cookers come with gas hobs and an electric oven that gives you the best of both worlds. They can offer instant heat but are more expensive to operate than single fuel models.

Solid plate hobs

Solid plate hobs have been a staple of many homes for decades. They are an excellent choice for those who want to save money. Their design is flat metal plates that heat up with electricity. Their low cost at first can result in higher energy costs in the future due to their inefficient use. They also require a significant amount of residual heat, meaning that they take longer to heat up and cool down than modern hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic hob that is more expensive to purchase but much cheaper to operate. These hobs come in many different styles, including flat and curvy. They can be paired with ovens of various sizes and shapes to match any kitchen layout. Additionally, they are easy to clean and integrate well into most modern homes.

Induction hobs are the next step as they use electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. The surface of the hob is cool, which minimizes the risk of burns. It is also safer for children to use it. In addition induction hobs are the fastest of all kinds to warm up and cool down.

When deciding which type of hob to buy it is important to think about your preferences for cooking and your energy requirements. Solid plate hobs are cheap to purchase but inefficient, while ceramic and gas hobs are more expensive, but more efficient. Induction hobs are a good option, since they combine effectiveness with a stylish appearance.

Gas hobs

The most efficient gas hobs are simple to use, have a sleek and elegant appearance, and are made from sturdy materials. They should come with a solid guarantee and be easy-to-clean. In addition, they should be compatible with a large range of cookware and offer instant heat control.

Gas hobs work by connecting each burner to a gas supply, which then ignites the fuel, causing an flame. The flame heats both the air and the pan which allows for precise temperature control. Certain models come with a visible flame indicator that makes it easy to know when the burners are turned off or on. Gas hobs also have various sizes of burners with automatic ignition as well as a removable drip pan.

Modern gas hobs come with either a stainless steel or ceramic top. Some have sleek black finishes. You can pick between open-burner and vented hobs depending on the style of your kitchen. Hobs vented have an integrated extractor that collects smoke and steam from cooking pans, and then releases them outside, while open-burner gas hobs don't.

Open-burner hobs have a classic design with metal knobs and grates while vented hobs look more modern with flat, glass surfaces. Some models come with extra-wide pan support, which are great for large pans and pots.

Despite the popularity of electric hobs like ceramic and induction however, there is a significant customer base for gas hobs. This is due in part to consumer preferences and the popularity of gas cooking. However, a number of government regulations are encouraging the removal of fossil fuel-based appliances to make way for more energy-efficient alternatives.

Gas-powered hobs require electrical components in order to function. It is therefore important to install them by a qualified electrician and carpenter who will make sure that the installation is secure and complies with industry standards. If you are installing a gas stove your electrician will have to run a power cable and a gas pipe into your kitchen. This is typically a straightforward procedure that doesn't alter your existing electrical or piping connections.

Ceramic hobs


Ceramic hobs have a sleek and attractive finish, are easy to maintain and are more efficient than gas. The heating element that is high-powered is placed beneath the surface of every zone. The heat is then transferred through the glass to the pan above. This reduces energy waste as it only uses the power required to heat the pan directly, not the air around it. They are also easy to control and respond quickly to temperature fluctuations.

Ceramic hobs have a flat ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp sponge when they cool. It's important to note that they're not suited to the kitchen that is hot or steamy environment as the glass can discolour and crack in the event that it becomes too hot.

Many people don't care about the fact that ceramic hobs create some heat under the surface. In fact, the majority of models are designed with cooling fans integrated to help regulate this heat and stop it from affecting your workspace or kitchen. They are also insulated to reduce heat transfer from the stove to your kitchen.

Ceramic hobs are also more flexible than induction hobs, which need certain types of magnetically conductor cookware. However, it's recommended to avoid using any cast iron cookware on a ceramic hob, because it could scratch the surface.

Many ceramic hobs are fitted with safety features like residual heat indicators and a lockout function to prevent accidents from happening at home. Some even have 'overflow protection', which can detect the moment a pot is boiling and then automatically cut the power supply to the zone to reduce the risk of damage and mess. It's equally important to ensure that the ceramic hob has been installed correctly and is equipped with the correct cables and breakers. It's best to leave this to a certified electrical engineer to be certain that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.

Induction hobs

Like their name suggests induction hobs feature coils underneath the surface that generate magnetic fields that create heat in the pan or metal object placed on it. They require less power than other types of electric hobs because they remain cool until a pan is placed on them, and they are more efficient in heating up a pan since the heat produced is sourced from the bottom of the pan rather than the entire cooktop.

Induction models are like gas hobs in that they have a control panel on which you can choose your settings and see the amount of power being used. They can only be used with cookware compatible with the electromagnetic heating mechanism. This means that the cookware must be made of cast iron or ferrous metal. Stainless steel and a few non-stick cookwares work, but you must always verify the label or run a magnet across the base to confirm that your cookware is induction compatible.

A popular option in shared student halls and penthouses in iQ Student Accommodation Induction hobs are sleek with LCD displays and contemporary aesthetics that fit seamlessly into contemporary kitchens. They're safer than gas hobs that are traditional because they only get hot when a pan is placed on them, and then they turn off automatically when the pan is removed.

Induction hobs can operate in the same way as an iPhone, with a swipe gesture on the slider to set your preferred heat level. There are typically up and down arrows on the control panel that allow you to adjust the power level, or use a dial to control the temperature precisely.

Some models have dual flex-zones that allows you to join two zones to create a larger surface to cook larger saucepans. Some models have automatic shut-off as well as residual heat indicators, and a timer that will inform you when food is ready. Induction hobs all emit low-level magnetic fields at frequencies in kilohertz, which can affect medical equipment like pacemakers.