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 apparatus, and is essential for professional secretory cell function.
In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent of a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests that you place the pot on the stove. The word is used with similar meaning in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs employ magnetism, instead of direct heat to heat pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop's surface, there are coils through which an alternating electrical current flows through, and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on the top of the cooktop it creates a magnetic field that produces electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to feel and uses less energy when in comparison to gas or electric models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are less dangerous than gas hobs of the traditional variety, with no open flames to harm your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is paramount. This kind of hob is also easy to clean since the glass-ceramic cooktop's smooth surface doesn't get hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.
The disadvantage of induction is that you do require pans that are compatible. You'll require pans with a flat or even thick base made from ferrous metals such as cast iron or steel. They must be compatible with induction and a great way to determine this is by running a magnet over the base. If the magnet is stuck to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction hob.
Other popular choices are ceramic hobs, which have an elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to heat up, however they do tend to utilise more energy than induction hobs as they heat the entire glass-ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean too, as the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned with a cloth and most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids to provide convenience.
If you're looking to get the best hobs of both worlds then opt for an induction hob equipped with a TFT display that shows the position of your cookware and a control panel to adjust the power settings. It comes with four auto cooking modes to choose from (boil, melt and slow cook) and an increase function to get faster results. It also has control locks to avoid accidental button pushing and comes with a residual heat indicator and auto switch-off if you forget to turn off the hob.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs utilize natural gas or propane to heat their ovens hobs and burners. This permits for faster cooking time and better control of temperature. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling, sauteing, as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Gas hobs are also free of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages, though at a slower speed. The heat from the burners is also restricted to the pans that they come into contact with, decreasing the fire risk. It's still important to keep flammable materials away from the burners and use safe cooking habits to prevent accidental fires.
Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the flame's output, ignition and safety features. Most models employ an electric ignition system which emits either an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. They also come with control knobs for adjusting the intensity of the flame and the output of heat. A lot of them have built-in timers that lets you determine a specific cooking time.
Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually lower than an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are compatible with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can be cheaper than natural gas.
Gas hobs need more attention than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate oily spills on the burner grates. Also, you'll need to clean the flat, rimless cooking surface frequently to prevent food residues from building up. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning simpler by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. In addition their flat rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils which can collect debris and increase the chance of spills.
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 to indicate which areas were used recently and will be too hot to touch or clean. This reduces the risk of accidents and is especially helpful in households with children. Some models also come with an overflow protection system that detects when a pot is boiling and automatically shuts off the oven to stop spills from happening.
The idea behind them is to make them elegant and stylish, these induction hobs work by transferring an electric current through copper coils that create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them quicker to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of hobs can be more expensive than traditional gas models and need to be installed by a professional. They are often equipped 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 for customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best hobs of both worlds, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to burning, scratching and staining. They are also available in a range of colors to match the kitchen decor. Many are pre-installed with panels and trims to create a seamless finish.
Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance, with grates and burner caps having to be cleaned regularly and then soaked in warm water to clean before re-assembling. They also are susceptible to staining from liquid spillages and are a bit slower than other hobs to heat up, but they are extremely efficient in energy use.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen component that transform any culinary endeavour into a music of flavours. We have a wide selection of hobs that will meet any budget and need.
The best ovens uk hobs are stylish, durable and easy to clean. They come with a range of features that will allow you to cook without difficulty. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most popular choices.
Ceramic hobs employ 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 are quick to heat up and can regulate the temperature with precision, making them perfect for all types of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators to alert you if your glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs function by creating an electric field between the element and your pan which allows heat to be generated only where it is needed. They are much faster to warm up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs. They also have a high efficiency, and no loss of heat from the rest of the hob.
Gas hobs are a more traditional option that is preferred by professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, making them suitable for a range of cooking techniques. They are also inexpensive to run and can be used with all pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the burners and grates contain nooks and crevices where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, providing an excellent heat distribution that is suitable for daily use. They tend to be less expensive than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you have limited space. Some of them can be converted to use bottled LPG and are suitable for most types of pans. They take longer to cool down and heat and are not suitable for hobs simmering. Many of the modern hobs that we offer come with child locks as well as a variety of safety features that are enhanced for added security.