What is a Hob?

Hob is a controlled exocytosis protein. It has been found that it regulates the production of insulin by Drosophila cells. It is a component of the secretory apparatus, and is required for professional secretory cell function.

In the British kitchen a hob is akin to a cooktop. Nigella often suggests leaving the pot “on the hob.” The word is used in the same way in North America.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs heat pots and pans using magnetism, rather than direct heating. The cooktop’s surface is coils through which an alternating electric current is pushed. When a ferromagnetic cookware or pan is positioned over the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field which generates electricity. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, thereby saving energy when compared to gas and electric models.

Induction hobs have another advantage that they are more secure than gas hobs that are traditional. There is no open flame that could cause burns to your hands or cookware. These are perfect for student rooms or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is the top priority. This kind of hob is also easy to clean as the smooth glass-ceramic cooktop surface isn’t heated and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

The disadvantage of induction is that you do require specific pans that are compatible. You’ll need pans that have a flat, thick base composed of ferrous metals like steel and cast iron. In order to determine if these pans will be induction-compatible, run a magnet along the base. If the magnet is stuck to the pan, it’s appropriate for your induction hob.

Ceramic hobs are also popular because they have a sleek look and come in many colours. They are quick to heat up, although they do tend to utilise more energy than induction hobs, as they heat the entire glass-ceramic surface. The smooth surface of the cooktop can be cleaned using a soft cloth. The majority of them have lids that are dishwasher safe.

If you want to get the most efficient of both, choose an induction cooktop equipped with a TFT display that shows the position of your cookware, and a control panel to adjust the power settings. It offers four automatic cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) as well as an extra-quick boost feature. It comes with locks that can be locked to stop accidental button pressing and has a residual heat indicator and auto switch-off if you forget your stove.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs utilize natural gas or propane to heat their ovens and burners. This allows for a faster cooking time and better control of temperature. This makes it perfect for boiling, frying and sauteing, as well as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to operate than electric ones, even though they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.

Gas hobs are also free of electricity. This means that they can continue to function even during power outages - albeit at a slower speed. The heat produced by the burners is also limited to the pans they come into contact with, decreasing the risk of fire. However, it’s important to keep all flammable substances away from the burners and use safe cooking habits to prevent accidental fires.

Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that control ignition, flame output and safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Many include a built-in timer that lets you set a specific cooking time.

While the upfront purchase price of gas hobs is usually lower than an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are compatible with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can be less expensive than natural gas.

Gas hobs require more maintenance than electric ones. The burner grates are more likely to attract grease-based spills and you’ll have to clean the flat rimless cooking surface more frequently to avoid food residue getting trapped in crevices. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design removes the need for awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs heat quickly and are easy to clean. They utilize electric coils that create heat below the cooking area. Many models come with residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This is particularly helpful in homes where children live. Some models are also fitted with overflow protection which detects when a pot is boiling over and immediately shuts off the stove to stop spills from happening.

Induction hobs look sleek and stylish. They work by transferring a current of electricity through copper coils to create a magnetic field which warms the bottoms of cookware compatible with induction. This makes them more efficient to boil than gas hobs and offers precise temperature control as well as a cool-to-touch surface. energy efficiency.

However, these types of hobs can be more expensive than gas models and must be installed by a professional. Many come with a flat ceramic cooktop for a modern look and offer an array of features such as child locks as well as timers, auto shut-off and built in food sensors.

A popular choice with consumers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both by providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to burning, scratching and stains. They are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen’s design. Some come with pre-installed panels and trims to create seamless appearance.

Similar to induction hobs, these models require regular maintenance, with grates and burner caps having to be removed regularly and soaked in warm water to clean before reassembling. They are also more prone to staining from liquid spillages. They also heat up a little slower than other types of hobs, yet they have a high energy efficiency.

The best hobs

Hobs are an essential Kitchen Convenience appliance that can transform a culinary endeavour into a symphony of flavours. We have a wide selection of hobs to fit any budget and need.

The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They also come with a range of features that let you cook like professional. Ceramic, induction, and gas are the most well-known choices.

Ceramic hobs employ electric heating elements beneath a glass surface that transfer heat directly to cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They heat up quickly and regulate the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all types cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators to alert you when your glass surface is still warm.

Induction hobs function by creating an electric field between the element and your pan, allowing heat to be generated only when it is required. They are quicker to warm up than gas or sealed plate hobs and have a high efficiency in energy use, and there is no waste of heat from the rest of the hob.

Gas hobs are the more traditional option and are preferred by professional chefs. They are fast to heat up and offer instant heat control. This makes them ideal for many cooking techniques. They are also cost-effective to run and can be used with a wide range of pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the grates and burners have nooks and crannies in which dirt can get.

Solid plate hobs are strong and durable, providing an excellent heat distribution that is suitable for daily use. They tend to be less expensive than gas or induction hobs and are great for those with limited space. Some are able to be converted to use bottles of LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. However, they may take a bit longer to warm up and cool down, and aren’t ideal for simmering. Modern hobs have child locks, along with a range of safety features that give you peace of mind.