Types of Hobs

A hob (known as stove top in North America) is a cooking appliance that heats up pans by using electricity or flames. There are several different types of hobs, and you can choose one that is best oven suited to your preferences and kitchen.

Induction hobs have a flat ceramic cooking surface and have five or four zones for heating your pans. Modern touch-operated designs are sleek and fashionable, and they are easy to clean.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs have a sleek and modern look which can greatly improve the overall look of your kitchen. They feature a flat glass-ceramic surface that's easy to clean, meaning spills and splatters can be quickly wiped away. They also heat up very quickly and are energy efficient which helps reduce your electricity bills. Ceramic hobs can be slow when changing temperature settings. This can be a hassle when you are cooking something that requires a quick reduction or an increase in heat.

Electric hobs consist of a solid surface that is heated from below by electric elements. The power of each element can be individually adjusted through rotating knobs. You can utilize the Boost feature to boost the temperature of a specific area. Ceramic hobs also have a very high heat retention, meaning they'll remain hot to the touch even after being shut off. This can be a challenge for families with children, so it's advisable to install them in an area that is well away from flammable objects and out of reach of young children.

This kind of hob is able to be used on a variety of worktops, including laminate and solid hardwood as well as granite. It is also relatively affordable and can be a great alternative if you're trying to replace your old hobs uk without spending too much money. However, like all appliances they need to be installed correctly and connected to the mains power supply, so we recommend hiring a professional electrician to ensure that your new hobs are safe for use.

A downside of this type of hob is that it's very sensitive to pan size and shape. It is necessary to purchase cookware that's the exact same dimensions as the element or that is able to fit in each heating zone on the hob. If the cookware isn't the same dimensions as the element, the element won't recognise it and won't heat the bottom of the pan. This can lead to uneven cooking results and make the hob less energy efficient.

Gas on glass hobs

Gas on glass hobs are sleek and contemporary in appearance. While they can be more expensive than electric ones and require professional installation, they often require less time to heat up - it's not uncommon for a complete pan of water to come to a boil within four minutes or less. This type of hob also is a great choice for cooks who need to limit the amount of heat is produced. However, it should be noted that a glass hob can be more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel models and may require cleaning more often, since the build-up of grease and residue tends to stay on the surface rather than slide off.