Ten Hobs That Really Help You Live Better
What is a Hob?
Hob is a controlled exocytosis-related protein. It has also been found to regulate insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. It is a component of the secretory apparatus, and is essential for the proper function of secretory cells.
In the British kitchen hobs are the equivalent to a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests leaving an uncooked pot on the hob. The word is used with similar meaning in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs make use of magnetism rather than direct heat to heat pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop surface sit 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 which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch, saving energy in comparison to gas and electric models.
Another benefit is that induction hobs are safer than gas hobs of the traditional variety and have no open flames to cause burns to your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student rooms or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is a priority. This kind of hob is also easy to clean as the smooth ceramic cooktop surface isn't hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.
Induction requires specific pans. It is necessary to are made of a thick, flat base composed of ferrous metals like cast iron and steel. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a good method to determine this is by running a magnet over the base. If the magnet is able to stick to the pan, it is a good pan for your induction hob.
Other popular choices include ceramic hobs, which have an elegant appearance and are available in a variety of colors. They are easy to heat up, but they tend to use more energy than induction hobs since they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean as well, since the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned using a cloth, and the majority of them have dishwasher-safe lids for extra convenience.
If you want the most efficient of both, opt for a premium induction hob such as this one from Hotpoint, which has a full TFT screen to display your position of cookware and a control menu that'll let you change the power settings. It has four automatic cooking modes to select from (boil melt, boil and slow cook) and an increase function to get faster results. It has locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. It also features an indicator for residual temperature and an auto-shutdown option if you forget your hob and oven.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs make use of natural gas or propane to heat their ovens and burners. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it ideal for boiling, frying and sauteing, in addition to other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Gas hobs are also independent of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages - albeit at a slower rate. The heat from the burners is also confined to the pans they are in contact with, which reduces the chance of fire. To prevent fires, it's essential to keep all flammable items from the flames.
Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the flame's output, ignition and safety features. Most models use an electric ignition system which emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output. Many also come with a timer that allows you to set a specific cooking duration.
While the initial cost of gas hobs is usually lower than an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas rates. Some gas hobs are compatible with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is often less expensive than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more care than electric ones. Gas hobs tend to collect grease-laden spills that get deposited on the burner grates. You'll also need to clean the flat and rimless cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Fortunately, some brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning simpler by using stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron grates that can be removed for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design avoids the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can collect debris.
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 that inform you of which areas have been used recently and will be too hot to touch or clean. This is especially useful in homes where children live. Some models also come with an overflow safety feature that detects when a pot is boiling and automatically shuts off the oven with hob to stop spills.
The idea behind them is to make them elegant and stylish, induction hobs function by transferring an electric current through copper coils, which create an electric field that heats the bottom of induction-compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs and provides precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.
However, these types of hobs can be more expensive than gas models and should be installed by a professional. They are often equipped with a flat ceramic cooktops that have a modern design and include a range of features such as child locks as well as timers, auto shut-off and built in sensors for food preparation.
A popular choice for customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best hob of both worlds by offering a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to burns, scratches and staining. These models come in a variety of colours that can complement your kitchen and many have pre-installed panels and trims to create a seamless appearance.
Similar to induction hobs, these hobs require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates having to be removed regularly and soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They also have a tendency to staining from liquid spillages and are slower than other hobs to heat up, although they have excellent energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform a culinary endeavour into a symphony of flavours. We have a variety of hobs that will meet any budget and need.
The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They have a range of features that let you to cook with ease. The most popular options include gas, induction, and ceramic.
Ceramic hobs use electric heating elements under glass surfaces to transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They are quick to heat up and provide precise temperature control, making them suitable for any type of cookware. Certain models have residual heat indicators that warn you if the glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs operate by creating magnetic fields between the element and the pan, allowing heat to be generated only where it is needed. They are much faster to heat up than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs. They also offer excellent efficiency, and no loss of heat from the other parts of the hob.
Gas hobs are a more traditional option that is preferred by many professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, making them suitable for a range of cooking methods. They are also inexpensive to run and can be used with all pans. They can be difficult to clean because the grates and burners are prone to having crevices and nooks where dirt could hide.
Solid plate hobs are durable and durable, offering a good level of heat distribution for use in everyday life. They are generally less expensive than gas or induction hobs, and are ideal if you are limited in space. Some can be converted to use bottled LPG and can be used with all kinds of pans. However, they will take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and aren't ideal for simmering. Many of the modern hobs we have available have child locks as well as a variety of enhanced safety features for extra security.