The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and there are different hob designs to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to heat up and cool off. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic, while remaining easy to operate. The ceramic hobs work by employing heating elements underneath the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for people with family members or elderly relatives in the home. They usually have the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.
They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other types of hobs however only if your cookware is fitted with flat bases that maximize the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system, and therefore will not function correctly.
It is crucial to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit by hand using matches or lighters. They are controlled with knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any manner.The downsides of gas hobs are that they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric ones and they aren't as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also dangerous because they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular choice. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than other types of hob.
Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models, and is the best option for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this model can become very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more conventional choice that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can serve as an eye-catching feature. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite option for those who want a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a suitable pan is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This generates heat which quickly warms food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they are electric or gas. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is placed this helps reduce the amount of heat that is wasted and can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs feature an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or if it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Like gas hobs, induction models come with a variety of control options, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level in a simple movement. Dial controls are like a standard knob and have a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models, with more advanced features, are an alternative option. These hobs have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
As an extra piece of tech, induction hobs can be equipped with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other appliances and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or button or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed in an area for cooking.
The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special kind of cookware in order to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetized base and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction hobs. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the pan you are using is compatible prior to purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.
The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs utilize electrical elements that are heated by sealed metal plates which in turn heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and durable. They can take some time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which uses a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob a quick and flexible option. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less energy efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs are a brand new and increasingly popular type of stove, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally green and economical than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your kitchen worktop are a fashionable and modern choice. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models feature a stylish frameless design, and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that alert you to an overheated hob. Finally, a pause function lets you temporarily disable all active cooking zones and is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.
