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A Guide to Hobs in the UK A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is an opening in the worktop. It can be gas or electric and could have up to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has modern appearance. Smart hobs that can be customized and are compatible with home automation systems are of interest to consumers. They also want to cut down on the use of energy and improve hygiene. Induction hobs Streamlined and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens. In contrast to electric and gas models, which rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils that an alternating current runs through. When a suitable pot is placed on the cooking surface, the coils create magnetic forces that interact with the metal in the pot, creating electric currents and heat. This process makes induction hobs efficient in terms of energy and cleaner than traditional hob types. Induction hobs also have an improved user-friendly design. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the appliance could be used to control the oven, with a clear indication of what cooking equipment is in use and what power setting is being used. The control panel can be locked to prevent accidental button pushing and many induction hobs have an increase function that boosts the potential of the cooking zone for a brief period of time to bring an entire pot of boiling water to a boil or heat a pan for searing. A lot of induction hobs are frameless, with the glass ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into your countertop. They are usually black, however some come with different colors that complement your kitchen decor. They also come with sleek controls that are sleek and minimalist, and have indicators that show the power level or other functions. To make the most of an induction cooktop, you'll need to invest in induction-compatible cookware. The best way to check whether a pan is compatible is to place an iron rod across its base. If the magnet sticks, it's safe to use on an induction stove. Many induction hobs feature pan detection to prevent overuse of energy. The coils will only be activated when a suitable pan or pans are in use. Induction hobs are a good option for shared homes and student accommodation as they don't have an open flame. They are also safer than gas versions. However, they do make the sound of ticking or humming when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people. Gas hobs A gas hob uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas to create the flame that cookware is heated which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They provide precise temperature control, and are more efficient in heating than electric alternatives like ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be a messy process. Burner caps and wok stand must be cleaned regularly to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned. Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or a continuous flame to ignite the burners and begin the process of combustion. Then, they employ electrical components, such as sensors and switches to control the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners function correctly. They could also include several control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output. Gas hobs are available in different models, with a range of one to six burners. Consider the size of your pots when choosing this number, as you'll need to make sure that there are enough burners to accommodate all cookware you intend to use. If you are a frequent stir-fryer then choose a model with a wok burn. Some models also have griddle elements built in, so you can cook up tasty and quick breakfast or lunch. hob uk of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gas hob is the cost of running it. Gas hobs generally have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, however the operating cost can be a bit different dependent on the local gas rates and usage patterns. Gas hobs require natural gas supply, as well as ventilation. This could lead to higher installation costs than an induction or electric hob. Vented hobs integrate two appliances in one unit, saving you space and giving your kitchen a more modern appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob and work much more efficient than traditional hoods because they're able to capture steam at the level of cooking instead of let it rise and escape into your living spaces. Portable hobs A portable hob is a great alternative if you require more space in your kitchen or wish to cook outside. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them simple to use. You can also carry them with you when you want to cook somewhere else. They can also be useful when you're remodeling your kitchen or simply require some extra hob space to accommodate busy times. Induction hobs are getting more popular in both home and professional kitchens because they're fast safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They work by creating a magnetic coil with an electric current flowing through it, which then is heated by the pan you place on top. There isn't any wasted heat like there would be when using a gas or electric hob. This will help you save money. This Belling hob comes with two cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with various saucepans and pots. Its intuitive interface and great heat distribution made it an absolute hit with testers, who appreciated the ability to alter the temperature of the two zones helpful. The only drawback was that it took over 12 minutes to boil 1 litre of water which could be frustrating for those who are pressed for time. If you're looking for a more compact model this model from Smeg might be worth a glance. It's light and thin and is less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it simple to store away when not in use. The brushed finish appears more expensive and is easier to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish. It's important to note that even though these hobs are an ideal alternative to full-sized ones however, they're still hot and can cause burns. It is recommended that you handle the hob with care and put it in a secure location far from the reach of children and away from areas where someone could fall over it. Many models come with a child lock which is useful if you have children.