7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Best Hobs
7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Best Hobs
Blog Article
The Best Hobs
Hobs are available in a variety of materials and sizes. The most effective hobs are sturdy, stylish and easy to clean.
Gas hobs are the preferred choice of our experts due to their versatility and precision flame control. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features like an energy boost or a timer.
1. Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a modern, efficient alternative to the traditional gas or ceramic models. Instead of heating up the entire cooking area as gas hobs do magnet technology to heat the copper coils beneath your pans. The cooktop remains cool to the touch, making it more secure to use and easier to clean. They boil water faster than a kettle and use less energy. The AEG premium model is a favorite in the HelloFresh test kitchen. It features four cooking zones each with its distinct functions, as well as a minute timer. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch-sensitive control panels are simple to use. However, the heat distribution is uneven. This is a common issue for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year guarantee and impressive green credentials; it has an A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of 750w per cooking zone. The "Flux Zone" feature lets you to move your pans between the four zones and adjust the power levels to suit your pots or saucepans. Meanwhile, the 'Power boost" function boosts the output of the hob by 50% to speed up boiling. Other handy features include an auto-shut off function as well as an 'fryingSensor' to prevent your cooking pan from overheating so you never have to worry about burning food.
This is a fantastic low-cost induction hob that can be easily hardwired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled separately and are marked with an arrow or cross to indicate the center of the coil. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It features a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease and is pre-programmed to have power levels that are set in the front and back zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with different sizes or shaped pans that need to be brought up to boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop, if you're American) still reigns supreme in cooking in the kitchen. These are the ultimate go-to for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces as well as pan-frying eggs and frying meats. Their popularity stems from their ability to create high temperatures quickly and precisely, making them ideal for searing and boiling.
The flame indicator's visual display allows you to see the status of each burner at glance. This is very helpful for security. With an electric hob, it's harder to switch off the burner or forget that it was on.
A majority of models are designed with a flat surface which makes them easier to clean than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can shield the Neff T27DS59N0 against splashes or spills. You'll have to be careful when cleaning to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs can also be more energy efficient than induction cousins, as they heat up more quickly and evenly, saving on electricity costs. This is particularly the case with vented hobs, which combine two appliances into one and eliminate the need for a hood. This can free up space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker look that will be a perfect fit with any style of interior.
Many homeowners prefer gas hobs with freestanding design over built-in models because of their efficiency and ease-of-use. These can be easier to install and provide more flexibility if you're looking to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
A freestanding model is connected to a bottle containing liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option for those who you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint. You'll need to find an LPG stove and boiler you like before you look into this option. These models require a gas supply as well as a ventilation system, and regular maintenance to ensure that there are no leaks.
3. Sealed Plate Hobs
Induction hobs are the ideal choice if you're looking for an energy-efficient, sleek appliance. Hobs that induction are able to heat pots and pans by using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surface remains cool. Induction hobs are safer (no accidental fire!) Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they use less energy than their gas or electrical counterparts. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to invest in cooking equipment that is compatible with induction.
If you don't want to invest in the latest induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth, glass-ceramic surface with heating elements concealed beneath which makes them more appealing to the eye than solid plate hobs and easier to clean as there's no need for tricky scrubbing. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. They do not have the same energy efficiency as induction hobs, so they might not be an ideal choice if you are worried about your energy consumption.
Solid plate hobs, a low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are great for cooking at home. They're quick to heat up, making them an ideal choice for those who do not require a powerful cooktop. However, they may take ages to cool down. Solid plate hobs also release lots of heat, so they're not as efficient as the other options on this list.
We recommend that you look for reviews on retailer websites when you're considering a solid-plate hob. This will not only provide you with an honest view into how it works and how it's used, but it can also help you to find the perfect model for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys is highly rated by customers and is finished in long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls blend with other appliances in the kitchen with a sleek and modern look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are a favourite option for cooks due to their quick heat and easy control, electric models have the advantage of being more energy efficient. And with modern electric ceramic and induction hobs offering advanced cooking functions, including power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a fantastic choice for busy households.
Choose an electric hob that has a streamlined design with control buttons that are touch-sensitive. Avoid models with buttons or dials that are protruding. This makes them easy to clean, especially if you opt for a flat surface that won't scratch or chip. Choose a model that has child locks here and hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. If you have an intelligent home, opt for an electronic display that gives you control of your hob remotely and also notifications through your smartphone, so you can manage your hob effortlessly.
For maximum flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob that includes gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 hybrid stove comes with both, and has intuitive touchscreen controls for the induction zones, and durable cast iron pan supports for traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer function that allows you to set cooking times for your dishes so that they are ready when needed - reducing the risk of cooking too long and making food less tasty.
Additionally, for greater convenience, you may need a model that permits you to merge two cooking zones into one larger zone to accommodate pans of various sizes and shapes. This can help save space and be useful for cooking in large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. Additionally, some stoves offer the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills to provide additional cooking options.
Gas hobs are available in a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. However, a basic four-zone ceramic or an induction hob from a major brand should still cost you less than PS200. If you're looking for an elegant glass model it won't cost a fortune also, as there are excellent own-brand options. But, keep in mind that both ceramic and induction hobs require a particular supply that is plugged in with the correct breakers and cables so you'll need it installed by a qualified electrician.