Types of Hobs

A hob, also known as a stovetop in North America, is a cooking device that heats pans by using electric power or flames. There are a variety of hobs available, so you can choose one that fits your style and kitchen.

Induction hobs are equipped with an elongated ceramic surface and either four or five zones to heat your pans. Modern touch-operated designs look elegant and chic and are easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs have modern and sleek design which can greatly improve the overall look of your kitchen. They have a flat glass ceramic surface that's easy to clean, so spills and splatters can be quickly cleaned. They also heat up very quickly and are energy efficient and can help reduce your energy bills. However, one downside of ceramic hobs is that they can be slow in changing the temperature, which can be frustrating when cooking something that requires immediate reduction or an increase in heat.

Electric hobs utilize a solid plate that is heated by electric elements beneath. The power of each element can be adjusted via rotary knobs. You can utilize the Boost feature to raise the temperature of a particular zone. Ceramic hobs also have extremely high degree of heat retention, so they'll remain hot to the touch even after being turned off. This can be a challenge when you have children, so it's best ovens and hobs to place them in an area that is away from any flammable items and out of reach of little ones.

The benefit of this kind of hob is that it can be installed on a variety of worktops such as laminate, solid wood and granite. It's also reasonably priced and is a great option for those trying to replace your old hobs without spending a lot of money. However, just like any other appliance, they must be properly installed and connected to the mains, so we suggest hiring an electrician who is experienced to ensure that the new hobs are safe for use.

This kind of hob is sensitive to pan shapes and sizes. You'll need to buy cookware that is exactly the same as the element or is able to fit comfortably into each of the heating zones. If the cookware isn't compatible the element, it will not recognize it and won't begin to heat up the bottom of the pan. This can cause uneven cooking and make the stove less efficient.

Gas on glass hobs

Glass hobs made of gas have a sleek and modern appearance. While they can cost more than electric models and require professional installation, they usually take less time to heat up. It's not unusual for a full pan of water to boil in four minutes or less. This type of stove is a great choice for cooks who need to limit the amount of heat is produced. Glass hobs are more susceptible to damage and require frequent cleaning as they tend to accumulate grease and other residue.

A fantastic example of a glass-on-gas model is this Bertazzoni hob, which boasts four matt black monobloc burners with accurate metal control knobs that create a an elegant and sophisticated appearance. It also includes an oblong wok ring with 4kW for additional versatility, as well as pan supports that are dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean.

Another highly recommended model is this Bosch gas hob, which is a stylish slab of toughened glass with the latest cooking technology. The dual ring design at the left side of the gas hob features two burners inside to improve heat distribution and speed up cooking. It also features an excellent power level indicator that assists in regulating the precise temperature of your flame. You can choose between nine preset settings, including the highest setting for sear steaks and a low one for scrambled eggs.

Its simple yet intuitive controls were also well appreciated by our testers who found them to be very simple to use. Some minor issues include the fact that you need to physically press the controls nine times before you can reach the highest temperature and it can be difficult to determine the state of the burners through the glass.

Some of the Best place to buy oven and hob gas-on-glass hobs are available for an affordable price like this Neff model. While it's not going to win any design awards but it can do the job well and can be an excellent addition to your kitchen for just over 120 dollars.

Electric hobs Oven

There are a number of electric hobs that are ideal for modern homes. They're not just elegant and stylish, but also faster, safer and more energy efficient than their predecessors.

Ceramic glass hobs are among the most well-known electric stoves. These hobs are designed with an elegant glazed finish and feature a surface that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. They also come with a power booster function that lets you increase the heat for a short time.

Another electric hob that is suitable for modern homes is an induction hob. Induction hobs heat your cookware directly with electromagnetic fields unlike traditional gas and electric plates. They are therefore more energy-efficient, and they offer precise temperature control. However, they require a specific type of pan to work with them and can be expensive to install.

Hobs made of glass that are gas-powered are a different option for modern homes. It is equipped with a burner under a flat glass layer, similar to a standard gas stove. This glass is heatproof and shatterproof, making it easier to clean than tempered glass. A lot of these hobs come with an "hot surface indicator" that warns you of the temperature.

Gas hobs remain a preferred choice for many home chefs, but they can be noisy and difficult to clean. The flame can also be difficult to control and take some time to get hot and cool off. Electric hobs, on other side, are more energy efficient and easier to clean.

There are even electric stoves that can be used with LPG gas. This allows you to switch between various fuel sources, meaning you can adjust your cooking to suit your lifestyle. But, it's important to remember that these hobs must be installed by a registered gas safe engineer and require a 6mm cable for your kitchen. They're also not suitable for people with pacemakers, since the electromagnetic field could interfere with them.

Hobs with induction

Copper coils conduct an alternating electric current under the glass surface of an induction hob. When an induction-compatible plate is placed on the hob, the coils create magnetic fields that heat the pan directly instead of heating the surface of the worktop or heated plate. Induction hobs are very efficient in terms of energy efficiency, since they don't waste any heat.

There are a myriad of models of induction hob, from basic entry level ones that have a single cooking zone that is marked with rings to more advanced multi-zoned induction hobs that can have up to six zones and allow the cooking of multiple pots simultaneously in one Flex zone. Some of these premium models feature a slider control that is similar to the iPhone. Simply slide your finger across the power bar at the middle to choose the desired temperature, left to right boosts heat and right-to-left decreases it. Certain models have preset settings for certain recipes or food types which can help you save time in the kitchen.

Induction hobs do tend to be more expensive than ceramic hobs, however they are believed to be more efficient over the long term since they heat up quicker and have a smaller area for heating up which can help reduce your energy bills. They also cool faster and have a more secure design that doesn't have hot plates, making them ideal for families with young children or elderly persons living in the house. However, they create magnetic fields that can interfere with some medical devices such as pacemakers therefore it is essential to center your pans over the burner and avoid placing small pans on large burners.

Like all electric hobs, you'll need to keep your electric hob clean regularly as food and debris can accumulate over time. You can make use of a basic best oven cleaner or purchase a specialist one to keep your oven in good shape and shiny for longer. Make sure you don't use scrubbers or scouring pads on your induction hob since they could scratch the surface.