Leave a Pot on the Hob

Nigella's recipe often suggests that you "leave pans on the stove" however what exactly does this actually mean? A stovetop, also known as a hob or cooktop in British English, can be gas or electric.

Dual fuel cookers come with gas hobs and an electric oven and hob giving you the best of both worlds. They are quick to heat, however they can be more costly to operate than single fuel models.

Solid plate hobs

Solid plate hobs have been a stalwart of homes for a long time. They are a simple choice for those who want to save money. Their design is flat metal plates which heat up by using electricity. However, their initial cost can result in higher electricity costs over time because of their inefficient energy use. These hobs also require a large amount of residual heat which means they take longer to warm up and cool down than modern hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic which is more expensive to purchase, but much cheaper to operate. These hobs are available in a range of styles, including straight and curved and can be paired with a variety of ovens to suit any kitchen layout. Additionally, they are easy to clean and integrate well into the majority of modern homes.

Induction hobs are the next step, since they utilize electromagnetic fields to cookware directly. This means that the hob surface itself remains cool, reducing the risk of burns from accidental sources and making it safer for young youngsters to touch. In addition, induction hobs are the fastest of all the kinds to heat up and cool down.

It's important to take into account your cooking habits as well as your energy needs when you decide on the type of hob you should purchase. Solid plate hobs are inexpensive to purchase, but they're not efficient, while ceramic and gas hobs are more expensive, but more efficient. Induction hobs provide an alternative, combining efficiency with a elegant design.

Gas hobs

The best hobs uk gas hobs are easy to use, have a sleek and stylish appearance and are made from durable materials. They should come with a solid guarantee and be easy-to-clean. They should also be compatible with a variety of cookware and offer instant heat control.

Gas hobs function by connecting each burner to a gas supply which then ignites the fuel and creates a flame. The flame is able to heat the pan and the air, allowing for precise temperature control. Certain models come with a visible flame indicator, making it easy to know when the burners are turned off or on. Other features on gas hobs include multiple burners in different sizes, an automatic ignition system and drip tray that can be removed.

Many modern gas hobs have a stainless steel or ceramic top, with some having sleek black glass finishes. Based on the style of kitchen there is also the option to choose vented or Hobs open-burner gas hobs. Vented hobs have a built-in extractor that takes steam and smoke from cooking pans, and then releases them outside, while open-burner gas hobs don't.

Open-burner hobs have a classic appearance with a metal knobs and grates, while vented hobs are more modern with a glass-like surface that is flat. Some models have an extra-wide pan support, which are great for large pots and pans.

Despite the popularity of electric hobs such as ceramic and induction hobs but there is a significant user base for gas hobs. This is due in part to the preferences of consumers and the popularity of gas cooking. Many government regulations encourage the phase-out of fossil fuel-based appliances and the use of energy-efficient alternatives.

All gas-powered hobs require electrical components in order to work, so it is essential to have your gas cooker installed by a certified electrician and carpenter who will ensure all installations are safe and conform to the standards of the industry. Your electrician will have to run a power line along with a gas line to your kitchen if you are installing a gas hob for the first time. This is usually a simple process that doesn't impact your existing piping or electrical connections.

Ceramic hobs

As well as a stylish, attractive and sleek look ceramic hobs are simple to clean and are more efficient in energy use than gas hobs oven. They operate with powerful heating elements under the surface of each zone. These then transmit the heat from the glass to the pan above. This reduces energy wastage as it only heats the pan directly and not the air surrounding it. They are also easy to regulate and respond quickly to temperature fluctuations.

Ceramic hobs have a flat, ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp sponge when they cool. It's worth remembering though that they're not suited to the kitchen that is hot or steamy in hot or humid conditions, as the glass could break and discolor when it gets too hot.

Some people may be a bit sceptical about the fact that ceramic hobs generate a certain amount of heat under the surface, but this isn't an issue for most. In fact, many models are equipped with cooling fans integrated to manage this under-surface heat and stop it from affecting your workspace or kitchen. They're also made of acoustic insulation to limit heat transfer between the hob and your kitchen.

Another benefit of ceramic hobs is that they are compatible with all types of cookware, compared to induction hobs, which require a specific magnetically conductive pan. However, it's recommended to avoid using any cookware made of cast iron on a ceramic hob and oven as this can scratch the surface.

Many ceramic hobs come fitted with a range of safety features including residual heat indicators, as well as lockout functions to help minimise accidents in the kitchen. Some ceramic hobs have an overflow prevention feature' that detects when a pan is boiling over and automatically reduces the power to the zone it is in to limit damage. Like electric cookers generally it is crucial to ensure the ceramic hob is installed and fitted with the correct breakers and cables for complete security. It's best to leave this to a qualified electrical engineer so that you can be sure that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.

Induction hobs

Like their name implies, induction hobs have coils under the surface that produce magnetic fields that create heat within the pan or metal object placed on it. They consume less power than other kinds of electric hobs since they remain cold until a pan is placed on them, and they are more efficient at heating a pan as the heat generated is generated from the bottom of the pan, rather than the whole cooktop surface.

Like gas hobs, models with induction have an control panel on which you can select your settings and see how much power you're using. However, unlike traditional gas hobs they only work using cookware that's compatible with their heating mechanism using electromagnetic energy that means it must have an even, flat thick base made of ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Some non-stick and stainless steel pans will also work. However, you must always read the label to confirm that the cookware you use is compatible with induction.

A popular choice for shared student halls and iQ Student Accommodation penthouses, induction hobs have sleek LCD displays and modern design that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. They're safer than traditional gas hobs because they only heat up when the pan is placed on them, and they turn off automatically when the pan is removed.

Induction hobs can be controlled in the same manner as an iPhone using tapping the touch slider setting your preferred temperature. There are typically up and down arrows on the control panel, which allow you to adjust the power level, or a dial to precisely control the temperature.

In addition to nine power levels, certain models come with dual flex zones which lets you connect two zones to create a larger cooking area for larger pots. Others have automatic switch-off, residual heat indicators, and a timer to alert you when food is ready. All induction hobs emit a low-level magnetic field at frequencies in the kilohertz range that can affect certain medical equipment such as pacemakers, so it's important to keep them from your body when not being used.