What is a Hob?
Hob is a regulated exocytosis protein. It has also been found to regulate insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. It is a component of the secretory apparatus, and is required for professional secretory cell function.
In the British kitchen a hob is the same as cooking stove. Nigella often suggests placing the pot "on the hob." The word has a similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs employ magnetism, instead of direct heat to warm pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop's surface are coils that an electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pot is placed on the top of the cooktop this creates a magnetic field which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop is cool to the touch, thereby saving energy compared with electric and gas models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are less dangerous than gas hobs of the traditional variety, with no open flame to harm your fingers or cookware. They are great for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is a priority. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of this type of hob will not get hot, and is easy to clean with a damp rag.
Induction requires special pans. You'll need pans that are made of a thick, flat base composed of ferrous metals like steel and cast iron. These pans 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 then it's a suitable pan for your induction hob.
Ceramic hobs are also popular, as they have a modern appearance and are available in many colours. They are quick to heat up, however they do tend to utilise more energy than induction hobs, as they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean, too, since the smooth cooktop surface can be wiped with a cloth. Most of them come with dishwasher-safe lids for extra convenience.
If you want to get the most efficient of both, go for an induction stove equipped with a TFT display that shows the position of your cookware and an adjustment panel to alter the power settings. It has four automatic cooking options (boiling, melting and slow cooking) as well as an extra-quick boost function. It also has locks that can be locked to stop accidental button pushing and comes with an indicator for residual heat and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget about your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses natural gas or propane to heat its burners and oven which results in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it ideal for cooking, frying, sauteing, and boiling, as well as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally more affordable to operate than electric hobs, despite the fact that they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.
As a bonus the gas hob's heating source is not dependent on electricity, meaning it will continue to function even in power outages, but at a lower speed. best ovens and hobs uk has a lower risk of fire because the heat from the burners is restricted to the pans they come in contact with. However, it's important to keep flammable materials away from the stove and follow safe cooking practices to avoid accidental fires.
Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models employ an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs let you adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat. Many come with a timer that allows you to set a specific cooking duration.
Although the initial purchase cost of a gas hob is typically lower than a model with an induction motor however, operating costs will be contingent on the local gas rates. Certain gas hobs can be operated with liquefied petrol gas (LPG), a fuel that is often cheaper than natural gas.
Gas hobs need more attention than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to collect greasy spills on the burner's grates. You'll also need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Fortunately, some brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by utilizing stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron hob grates that can be taken off for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design avoids the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils which can collect debris.
Electric hobs
Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone electric hobs are fast to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models also feature residual heat indicators to let you know which zones have been used recently and will be too hot to touch or clean. This helps minimise accidents and is particularly useful in homes with children. Certain models also have overflow protection, which detects when the pot is boiling and switches off the stove to avoid spills.
Designed to be elegant and stylish, induction hobs function by passing an electric current through copper coils, which create magnetic fields that heat the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them quicker to boil than gas hobs and provides precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.
These are more expensive and require a professional installation. They are often equipped with a flat glass cooktops for a contemporary look and offer an array of features, such as child locks, timers, auto shut-off and built in sensors for food preparation.
Electric ceramic hobs are a favorite among users. They offer a smooth, easy-to-clean surface and are also resistant to burns, stains and scratches. These models are also available in a wide selection of colors to complement the kitchen decor. Many come with pre-installed panels and trims to create an uni-directional finish.
Similar to induction hobs they require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates needing to be removed regularly and then soaked in warm water to clean before re-assembling. These hobs are also more prone to staining from liquid spillages. They also heat up a bit slower compared to other types of hobs, yet they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform any food preparation into a spectacular symphony of flavours. We have a wide selection of hobs to suit every budget and need.
The best hobs are stylish, durable, and easy to clean. They also offer a wide range of features that let you cook like a pro. The most popular options include ceramic, induction and gas.
Ceramic hobs are energy efficient and easy to clean since they utilize electric heating elements beneath a glass surface. They are quick to heat up and can regulate the temperature with precision which makes them suitable for all types cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that warn you if the surface of the glass is still hot.
Induction hobs create magnetic fields that allow heat to be generated when it is required. They heat up faster than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and also have a high energy efficiency.
Gas hobs have been a common option 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 ideal for cooking with a variety of techniques. They are also inexpensive to run and work with a wide range of pans. They can be difficult to clean because the grates and burners tend to have nooks and crevices where dirt can hide.
Solid plate hobs offer a good heat distribution and are durable. They are great for use in everyday life. They tend to be less expensive than gas and induction hobs, and are ideal when you have limited space. Some of them can be converted to use bottled LPG and are suitable for most types of pans. However, they will take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. Modern ovens come with child locks as well as a variety of safety features that provide you with peace of mind.