What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory system, and is essential for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen, a hob is the same as the cooktop. Nigella often suggests that you place a pot on the hob. The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs heat pots and pans by magnetism, not direct heating. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils that an electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, this creates a magnetic field that generates electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to the touch and saves energy in comparison to gas or electric models.

Another advantage is that induction hobs are less dangerous than their traditional gas counterparts and have no open flame to cause burns to your fingers or cookware. They are ideal for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is the top priority. This type of hob is also easy to clean as the smooth ceramic cooktop surface isn't hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.
Induction requires specific pans. You will need pans that have a thick, flat base composed of ferrous metals such as cast iron and steel. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a good way to check is by running a magnet over the base. If the magnet is able to stick, it is a suitable pan for your induction cooker.
Ceramic hobs are also very popular due to their sleek look and come in a variety of colors. They are quick to heat up however, they typically consume more energy than induction stoves because they heat the entire surface of the glass-ceramic. They are easy to clean, too, since the smooth cooktop surface can be cleaned with a cloth and most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If Ovens & Hobs looking for the best of both worlds, opt for an induction hob equipped with a TFT display that shows the position of your cookware, as well as a control panel to adjust the power settings. It comes with four auto cooking modes to select from (boil melt, boil and slow cook) as well as an increase function to get faster results. It has locks that can be locked to stop accidental button pressing and has a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget the hob.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs make use of natural gas or propane to heat their ovens and burners. This permits for faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for cooking, boiling, and sauteing, as well as other cooking techniques. While it might not be as efficient as an electric hob, a gas-powered one is generally less expensive to operate than an electric one.
In addition the gas hob's heat source is independent of electricity, so it can still function during power outages, albeit at a lower speed. The heat from the burners is also confined to the pans they come into contact with, which reduces the risk of fire. However, it's important to keep all flammable substances away from the flames and follow safe cooking practices to prevent accidental fires.
A modern gas hob is a blend of traditional gas burners and certain electrical components that regulate the burner's ignition, flame output, and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that emits an electric spark or an electric pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs let you adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output. Many come with a timer that lets you to set a specific time limit for cooking.
While the initial cost of a gas hob is typically lower than a model with an induction motor, operating costs will depend on the local gas rates. Certain gas hobs can be used with LPG, which is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be less expensive than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more maintenance than electric ones. Gas hobs tend to collect grease-laden spills on the burner's grates. It is also necessary to clean the flat and rimless cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier with cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design removes the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils which could collect debris.
Electric hobs
Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models also have residual heat indicators to indicate 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 an overflow safety feature that detects when a pot is boiling and then immediately shuts off the stove to stop spills.
Induction hobs look sleek and stylish. They function by passing a flow of electricity through copper coils to create a magnetic field that heats the bottoms of the cookware that is compatible with induction. This makes them quicker to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control, a cool-to-touch surface and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of cooktops are more expensive than traditional gas models and should be installed by an experienced professional. Many come with a flat glass cooktop for a modern look and include a range of features, such as child locks as well as timers, auto shut off and built-in food sensors.
A favorite choice among consumers electric ceramic hobs provide the best of both by providing a smooth and easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to scratching, burning and staining. These models are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen's design. Some have pre-installed panels and trims to create a seamless finish.
Similar to induction hobs these models require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates needing to be cleaned frequently and then soaked in warm water to clean before re-assembling. They also have a tendency to staining due to spills of liquid and are slower than other hob types to heat up, but they are extremely efficient in energy use.
The best hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can turn any cooking endeavor into a symphony. We have a wide selection of hobs to fit every budget and need.
The best hobs are elegant and durable. They are also easy to clean. They also have a range of features that let you cook like professional. Ceramic or induction and gas are the most sought-after choices.
Ceramic hobs utilize electric heating elements under a glass surface that transfer heat directly to your cookware, making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They heat up quickly and control the temperature precisely, making them perfect for all kinds of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that warn you when the glass surface remains hot.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated when it is needed. They are quicker to warm up than gas or sealed plate hobs. They also provide excellent efficiency in energy use, and there is no waste of heat from the other parts of the hob.
Gas hobs have been a popular choice for a long time and are still favored by many chefs. They are fast to heat up and provide instant heat control. This makes them suitable for many cooking techniques. They are also inexpensive to run and can be used with all pans. However, they are more difficult to clean since the burners and grates have nooks and crannies where dirt could hide.
Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, offering an excellent heat distribution for everyday use. They tend to be less expensive than induction or gas hobs and are ideal if you have a limited space. They can be converted to make use of bottles of LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. They may take longer to cool and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Many of the modern hobs we have available have child locks and a range of enhanced safety features for added security.