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A Guide to Hobs in the UK A hob is a kitchen appliance that is inserted into the worktop's cutout. It can be electric or gas and can have one to six cooking rings or zones. It is easy to clean and has a modern appearance. Smart hobs that offer customization and are compatible with home automation systems are attractive to consumers. They also want to reduce energy consumption and improve hygiene. Induction hobs Modern and efficient, induction hobs are one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens. Induction hobs, unlike gas and electric models that rely on heating plate to heat cookware directly, use electromagnetic technology to heat the pan. Underneath the glass ceramic surface are coils that an alternating current flows through. When hobs and ovens is placed in the cooking zone, the coils automatically create magnetic fields that interact with the metal in the pan, inducing electrical currents and creating heat. This makes induction hobs much more energy-efficient and easier to clean than traditional hob types. Induction hobs are also user-friendly. A TFT-enabled display at the top of the appliance could be used to control the hob, with an obvious indication of which cookware is in use and what power setting is being selected. The control panel can be secured to prevent accidental pressing of buttons. Many induction hobs have a boost feature that increases the power of the cooking area for a short time. This is useful to quickly bring the water in a pot to a boil, or heating the pan to sear. Many induction hobs come with an unframed design, with the glass-ceramic surface seamlessly integrated into the countertop. They typically come in black, however some come with different colors that match your kitchen decor. They also often have minimalist, sleek controls with indicator lights to indicate the level of power and other functions. To maximize the performance of your induction hob you will require cookware that is compatible with induction. If you're interested in knowing whether a pan is compatible on an induction stove, simply run a magnet over the base of the pan. If the magnet sticks to it, then it is compatible. Many induction hobs feature pan detection to prevent overuse of energy. The coils are only activated when an appropriate pan or pans are in use. Induction hobs are a good choice for shared homes or student accommodation as they do not have an open flame. They are also more secure than gas versions. However, they do produce a humming or ticking noise when they are operating, which can be a nuisance to some people. Gas hobs A gas stove uses natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas to create the flame that cookware is heated which makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They are more efficient in heating up and provide more precise temperature control than electric options like ceramic hobs. They can sometimes be dirty to clean, with burner caps and wok stand needing to be removed regularly to make sure that everything is clean. Modern gas hobs utilize electronic ignition systems that utilize an electric spark or continuous flame to start the burners and initiate the process of combustion. They then use electrical components, such as sensors and switches to regulate the flow of gas through the system and to make sure that the burners operate properly. The burners could also have numerous control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Depending on the model that you choose, gas hobs include anything from one to six burners. When deciding on the number burners, think about the size of the pans that you will be using. You'll have to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the cookware you will use. If you often stir-fry then choose a model that comes with a separate wok burn. Some models also have grilling elements to make a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch. The cost of running a gas hob should be a key factor when deciding on one. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to purchase than induction hobs. However the operating costs can be different based on the local gas rates and use. It's also worth bearing in that a gas-powered hob requires natural gas and ventilation, which could make installation more expensive than an induction or electric hob. Vented hobs combine two appliances in one unit which saves space while giving your kitchen a sleeker appearance. They extract steam and smoke through a duct in the surface of the hob which allows them to operate much more efficiently than traditional hoods as they are able to collect steam at the cooking level rather than permitting it to rise and spill out into your living spaces. Portable hobs Whether you need extra hob space in your kitchen, or want to take your cooking outside an outdoor kitchen, a portable stove can be a good option. They are designed to plug into your kitchen worktop, making them easy to use. You can also bring them with you when you need to cook in a different location. They're also great if you need to renovate your kitchen, or if you just want to have more space on your hob during busy times. Induction hobs are getting more popular in both professional and home kitchens because they're fast and safe, energy efficient and easy to clean. They function by creating a magnetic coil that has an electrical current flowing through it, which warms the pan you place on the top. There is no wasted heat as there is with a gas hob or electric hob. This will help you save money. This Belling hob comes with dual cooking zones, a double ring design and can be used with a variety of pans and pots. Its user-friendly interface and excellent heat distribution mean it was an absolute hit with test participants, who also appreciated the ability to change the temperature of the two zones useful. The only downside was that it took more than 12 minutes to boil a litre of water, which could be a problem for those who are pressed for time. If you're looking for a compact model this model from Smeg might be worth a take a look. It is light and thin and is less than half the size of some other models on the list. This makes it easy to store away when not in use. Its brushed-finish looks more premium and is easier to clean than hobs with a more shiny finish. These hobs could be a convenient smaller alternative to full-sized versions however they are hot and can cause serious burns. For this reason, we suggest careful handling and judicious placement, with the plug away from children and away from areas where people might trip over it. Many models come with a child lock which is a useful feature if you have children.