Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to pick from such as electric, gas ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take a while to warm up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic and are simple to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface, which is tempered, to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
They have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safe for families with elderly relatives or children. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and a residual heat indicator that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.
They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are a good option for those who do not have gas in their home. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs however only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the contact between the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element are not recognized by the heating system and will not function correctly.It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to get your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and create fire dangers in the future. It's a small cost to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually with matches or lighters and are controlled by a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric models and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.
The downsides of gas hobs are they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric models and they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and are a bit more expensive than some other types of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available in 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 of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can be the focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is usually fitted by professionals who are able to handle the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that could pose risks if not handled correctly.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnetic field that causes an electric current to flow through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs also have a reputation as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is set which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that stops the stove if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further reducing the amount of waste.
Induction models, including gas hobs come with various control options including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and allows you to adjust the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has an enormous dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.
Induction hobs come with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood in order to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and typically activated with sensors or buttons, and they can also be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require specialized cookware to function. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction cooktops. However, you must always consult with the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those who have smaller kitchens but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and match to create a modular cooking space that is suited to your needs.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. However, they may take a while to warm up and cool down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which uses a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive because the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and are susceptible to damage by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob styles however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless appearance and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.
When you are buying a new stove, make sure you look for features such as overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it gets to a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to a hot hob. A pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and can be useful if you need to leave the kitchen for a while.
