Ten Hobs That Really Help You Live Better

What is a Hob?

Hob is a controlled exocytosis-related protein. It has also been discovered to regulate insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. It is a component of the secretory apparatus and is required for the proper function of secretory cells.

In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent of a cooktop or stove top. Nigella frequently suggests leaving the pot "on the hob." The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs employ magnetism, instead of direct heat to heat pots and pans. The cooktop's surface is coils through which an alternating electric current is run. When a ferromagnetic pot or pan is placed over the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field which generates electricity. The cooktop is also cool to feel and uses less energy when compared to electric or gas models.

Another benefit is that induction hobs are safer than gas hobs of the traditional variety and have no open flames to harm your fingers or cookware. They are great for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is the top priority. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob will not get hot and can be easily cleaned with a damp rag.

Induction requires specific pans. You will need pans that have a thick, flat base made of ferrous metals such as steel and cast iron. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a good method to determine this is by running a magnet across the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's suitable for your induction cooker.

Other popular choices are ceramic hobs that have an elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up, but they do tend to utilise more energy than induction hobs as they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean as well, since the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth. Most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.

If you're looking to get the most efficient of both, choose an induction cooktop equipped with a TFT monitor that displays the position of your cookware and an adjustment panel to alter the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil, melt and slow cook) and a boost function for extra-quick results. It comes with locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pushing. It also comes with an indicator for residual temperature and an auto-shutdown if you forget to turn off your stove.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs make use of propane or natural gas to heat their ovens and burners. This permits for faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling, sauteing, as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to operate than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.

Gas hobs are also dependant of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages, though at a slower pace. The heat produced by the burners is also restricted to the pans that they are in contact with, reducing the risk of fire. It's still important to keep flammable materials away from the flames and follow safe cooking practices to prevent accidental fires.

Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that control ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models employ an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs let you adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat. A lot of them include a built-in timer, which allows you to set a precise cooking duration.

While the upfront purchase price of gas hobs is usually less than that of an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are compatible with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which is less expensive than natural gas.

Gas hobs need more attention than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to collect oily spills on the burner's grates. You'll also need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residues from building up. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design removes the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.

Electric hobs

Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models also have residual heat indicators that inform you of which areas have been used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This can help prevent accidents and is particularly useful in households with children. Some models are also fitted with overflow protection which detects when a pot is boiling and then immediately shuts off the stove to prevent spillage.

Created to be sleek and stylish, induction hobs operate by passing an electric current through copper coils which create magnetic fields that heat the bottom of induction-compatible cookware. This makes them more efficient to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control, a cool-to-touch surface and energy efficiency.

However, these types of hobs can be more expensive than gas models and must be installed by professionals. Many come with a flat glass cooktop for a modern look and offer an array of features, such as child locks and timers, auto shut-off and built-in sensors for food preparation.

A popular choice with consumers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both by providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to burning, scratching and staining. These models are also available in a range of colors to match your kitchen design and many come with pre-installed panels and trims to create an uni-directional finish.

Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance with the grates and burner caps having to be cleaned regularly and then soaked in warm water to clean before reassembling. They also have a tendency to staining from liquid spillages and are a bit slower than other hobs to heat up, but they have a high energy efficiency.

The best hobs

Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform any cooking venture into a music of flavours. We have a wide selection of hobs to suit every budget and need.

The best hob hobs are stylish, durable and easy to clean. They also offer a wide variety of specialist features that let you cook like a pro. The most popular options are ceramic, induction and gas.

Ceramic hobs use heating elements that are electric and placed on glass surfaces to transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They heat up quickly and regulate the temperature precisely, making them perfect for all types of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that inform you if the glass surface is still hot.

Induction hobs work by creating an electric field between the element and your pan that allows heat to be generated only when it is needed. They are faster to warm up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs. They also offer excellent efficiency, and no waste of heat that is not needed by the rest of the hob and oven.

Gas hobs are the more traditional option and are preferred by many professional chefs. They heat up quickly and offer instant control of heat. This makes them suitable for many cooking techniques. They are also cost-effective and can be used in a variety of pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the grates oven and hob burners have nooks and crannies in which dirt could hide.

Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, providing a good level of heat distribution for everyday use. They are generally cheaper than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you have a limited space. Some are able to be converted to use the bottled LPG and can be used with all types of pans. However, they may take a little longer to heat up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. Many of the modern hobs we have available have child locks as well as a variety of enhanced safety features for added security.