7 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs Uk
7 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs Uk
Blog Article
A Guide to Hobs in the UK
A hob is an appliance in the kitchen that is an opening in the worktop. It can be either electric or gas, and come with up to six cooking rings. Its design is modern and is easy to clean.
Smart hobs that allow for customization and are compatible with home automation systems are of interest to consumers. They also want to improve hygiene and cut down on energy consumption.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs that are elegant and efficient are a preferred option for modern kitchens. Unlike gas and electric models that rely on heating plates to heat cookware, induction stoves employ electromagnetic technology to heat the pan itself. Underneath the glass-ceramic surface sit coils which an alternating current flows through. When a suitable pot is placed in the cooking surface the coils create a magnetic force that interacts with the metal in the pot, creating electrical currents as well as heat. Induction hobs use less energy than traditional hobs and easier to clean.
Induction hobs also come with an easier-to-use design. The top of the appliance has a full TFT display that can be used to control it. It displays the cookware that is currently being used, and what power setting you have selected. The control panel can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and many induction hobs include a boost function that maximises the power of a cooking zone for a short period of time to bring a pot of boiling water to heat a pan for searing.
Many induction hobs come with an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surfaces seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Induction hobs can be found in different colours to complement your kitchen's decor. They also often have sleek, minimalist controls with indicator lights to indicate the level of power and other functions.
To get the most benefit of an induction cooktop you'll need to invest in induction-compatible cookware. The best way to check if a pan is induction compatible is to run a magnet along its base. If the magnet sticks it's safe to use it on an induction cooker. To avoid overusing energy, many induction hobs feature a pan detection system that only activates the coils when a suitable pan is in place.
Induction hobs are an excellent choice for shared housing or student apartments because they don't feature an open flame and are safer than gas versions. They do make a humming or ticking sound when they are being used, which may be annoying to some people.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas to create the flame that heats your cookware which makes it suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They offer precise temperature control and are quicker to heat up than some electric alternatives, such as ceramic hobs. Cleaning them can be messy. Burner caps and wok stands must be removed frequently to ensure that everything is clean.
Modern gas hobs use electronic ignition systems that make use of an electric spark or continuous flame to start the burners and initiate the combustion process. They then make use of electrical components, including switches and sensors to control the flow of gas through the system and to ensure that the burners work properly. The burners could also have various control knobs that can be adjusted to alter the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat.
Gas hobs come in a variety of models, with a range of one to six burners. Be aware of the size of your pots when choosing this number, since you'll want to ensure that there are enough burners for all cookware you intend to use. If you frequently stir-fry then you should choose an appliance with a wok burner. Some models have griddle elements included, which means you can make a delicious and quick breakfast or lunch.
A key consideration when selecting a gas hob is the cost to run it. Gas hobs typically have lower initial purchase prices than induction hobs, however operating costs can vary widely according to your local gas rates and usage patterns. It's also worth bearing in the mind that a gas hob requires a natural gas supply and ventilation, which may increase installation costs over an electric or induction hob.
Vented hobs are a combination of two appliances into one unit making space for them and giving your kitchen a sleeker appearance. They pull smoke and steam through a duct that is located on the surface of the hob and work more efficient than traditional hoods because they are able to collect steam at cooking level rather than letting it rise and escape into your living spaces.
Portable hobs
A portable hob is a great option if you need more space in your kitchen or wish to cook outdoors. These are designed to be placed on your kitchen counter and plug in, which means they're simple to use and carry with you when you want to cook in another location. They are also helpful for those who want to ovensandhobs revamp your kitchen, or need more space for your hob during busy times.
Induction hobs are getting more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They operate by creating an electric current that flows through a magnetic coil which heats up the pan that you place on the top. This means there's no 'wasted heat' as with gas or electric hobs that can help reduce your costs.
This Belling hob features two cooking zones as well as a double rings, which means it can be used for a range of pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface, excellent heat distribution, and the ability to switch the temperature between the two zones made it a popular choice among test subjects. The only drawback is that it takes more than 12 minutes to bring a litre of water to boil, which can be frustrating for people who are in a hurry.
If you're looking for a more compact option, this Smeg model might be worth a glance. It is light and thin with less than half the size as some of the other models on our list. This makes it simple to keep in storage when not in use. The brushed finish appears more premium and is more easy to clean than hobs with a shiny finish.
These hobs could be a convenient smaller alternative to larger ones however, they are hot and can cause serious burns. We recommend careful handling and sensible placement of the plug, keeping it away from children and away from areas where people might slip over it. Many models come with a child lock which is useful for parents with children.