What is a Hob?

Hob is a controlled exocytosis-related protein. It has been found that it regulates the production of insulin by Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory system, and is essential for professional secretory cells to function.

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

Induction hobs

Induction hobs use magnetism instead of direct heat to warm pans and pots. Underneath the cooktop's surface, there are coils that an alternating electric current flows through and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, thereby saving energy compared with electric and gas models.

Another advantage is that induction hobs are more secure than gas hobs of the traditional variety and have no open flame to harm your fingers or cookware. They are ideal 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 is easily cleaned oven with hob a damp rag.

Induction requires special pans. You'll need pans that are made of a thick, flat base comprised of ferrous metals, like cast iron and steel. In order to determine if the pans are induction-compatible, you should apply a magnet to the base. If the magnet is able to stick to the pan, it is a good pan for your induction hob.

Other popular options include ceramic hobs that have an elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up, but they require more energy than induction hobs, because they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to clean, too, since the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth and most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.

If you're looking for the most efficient of both, opt for a premium induction hob such as this one from Hotpoint It comes with an entire TFT screen to display your position of cookware and a control menu that'll let you change the power settings. It has four automatic cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) along with an extra-quick boost feature. It has control locks to avoid accidental button pressing and has a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget to turn off your hob.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs utilize propane or natural gas to heat their burners and oven. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling, sauteing, as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they aren't as efficient as electric hobs.

Gas hobs are also free of electricity. This means they can still function during power outages - albeit at a slower rate. The heat produced by the burners is also confined to the pans that they come into contact with, decreasing the risk of fire. But, it's crucial to keep flammable materials away from the flames and use safe cooking habits to avoid accidental fires.

Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the 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 allow you to alter the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output. Many include a built-in timer which lets you set a specific cooking time.

While the upfront purchase price of gas hobs is usually lower than an induction model the operating cost will be contingent on the local gas rates. Some gas hobs are compatible with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is cheaper than natural gas.

Gas hobs require more maintenance than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to collect grease-laden 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. Some brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning simpler by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Additionally, their flat rimless design eliminates the necessity for awkwardly positioned pot holders and utensils that can gather debris and increase the likelihood of spillages.

Electric hobs

Utilizing electric coils to create heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and simple to clean after use. Many models have residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This is especially useful in homes where children live. Certain models also have overflow protection, which recognizes when the pan is boiling and switches off the stove to avoid spillage.

Designed to be elegant and stylish, induction hobs work by passing an electric current through copper coils that create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs and provides precise temperature control with 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 ceramic glass cooktop for a modern look and include a range of options, including child locks and timers, auto shut-off and built in food sensors.

A favorite choice among customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both worlds, providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to scratching, burning and staining. These models are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen design and many come with pre-installed trims and panels to give seamless appearance.

Similar to induction hobs, these hobs require regular maintenance with the grates and burner caps having to be cleaned regularly and soaked in warm water to wash before re-assembling. They also are susceptible to staining due to spills of liquid and are slower than other hobs to heat up, but they are extremely efficient in energy use.

The best hobs

Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform any food preparation into a spectacular music of flavours. We have a wide selection of hobs that will meet any budget and need.

The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They also have a range of features that allow you to cook like a pro. The most popular options are gas, induction, and ceramic.

Ceramic hobs utilize electric heating elements under a glass surface to transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They heat quickly and control the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all kinds of cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators to alert you when your glass surface is still warm.

Induction hobs operate by creating a magnetic field between the element and your pan that allows heat to be generated only when it is required. They are quicker to warm up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs ovens and hobs uk offer excellent efficiency, and no waste of heat from the rest of the hob.

Gas hobs are the more traditional option that is preferred by a lot of professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They are also affordable and can be used in most pans. However, they can be more difficult to clean since the burners and grates have nooks and crannies in which dirt could hide.

Solid plate hobs are sturdy ovens and hobs durable, offering the best heat distribution that is suitable for daily use. They tend to be less expensive than gas or induction hobs and are ideal for when you have limited space. Some are able to use bottled LPG and are suitable for all types of pans. However, they may take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and aren't suitable for simmering. Many of the modern hobs we have available have child locks as well as a variety of safety features that are enhanced for extra security.