The hob is the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasted chicken. There are many different sizes and styles available and a variety of hob types such as electric, ceramic domino, and electric.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to warm up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek design, while remaining simple to operate. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to contemporary electric zones, with the majority featuring a black-glazed finish that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one go - you can even use standard kitchen cleaner products. They don't have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly relatives or children. Most of the time, they have controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and an indicator for residual heat that alerts you if the area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than electric hobs however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognized by the heating system, and therefore will not function correctly.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity could be hazardous if not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove professionally installed could void the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically built into your kitchen unit or countertop. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and are controlled by a series of knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.
The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models and they may not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Another option that is popular is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who want to build modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to note that this type can get very hot and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for kitchens that are larger and open-plan designs where it can be used as a focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking for a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to pass through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they're gas or electric. Because they produce heat directly where a pan is placed This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This can also help reduce energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This can reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a range of control types that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to a standard cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. Dial controls are like a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs may be equipped with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated via the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once a pan is placed over a cooking area.
Induction hobs are restricted by the fact that they require special cookware to work. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base in order to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, but you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.
The simplest of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, and durable. However, they can take a little time to warm up and cool down and tend to be more expensive than other hob models.
The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming more popular type of hob making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more economical and eco-friendly than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly into your kitchen worktop are a fashionable and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will alert you if your hob is hot to the touch and may cause burns. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and can be helpful if you have to leave the kitchen for a time.
