20 Fun Informational Facts About Best Hobs

The Best Hobs Hobs are available in a variety of sizes and materials. The best hobs are robust, stylish and easy to clean. Gas hobs are favored by our experts due to their versatility and precise control of the flame. However, electric models can be more efficient in energy use and are easier to clean. You can accelerate the cooking process with features such as an energy boost or a timer. 1. Induction Hobs Induction hobs are an innovative and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking space like gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to only warm up the copper coils below your pans. The cooktop is cool to the touch which makes it more secure to use and easier to clean. They also heat water faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a common kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's test kitchen and we love this elegant, premium model from AEG which comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions as well as an easy-to-use minute minder. It is smooth and can be cleaned easily and is simple to operate using the touch control panels, however one minor issue (which is common to all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be uneven, but it is only noticeable when trying to stir-fry. The AEG induction cooker comes with a five-year warranty and impressive green credentials. It has an A+ energy rating with a low power usage of 750 watts for each cooking zone. The “Flux Zone” feature lets you move your pans within the four zones, and adjust the power levels in accordance with the pots or pans you use. In addition, the “Power booster” function boosts the output of the hob by 50%, which speeds up the boiling process. The auto-shutoff function and the 'fryingSensor' feature, which ensures that your pan is not overheated, are also useful features. This is an induction hob with a reasonable price that can be wired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be operated independently and are marked with the ring or cross to indicate the coil's centre. It also has an electronic control panel that can be operated by touch. It has an enormous “Flux Zone” that can be used to accommodate larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed with preset power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is a great choice if you cook with a variety of pans, all different dimensions and shapes that require to be heated, simmered at the same time, and then kept warm. 2. Gas Hobs A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) still reigns supreme when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are the best choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces cooking eggs, pan-frying eggs, and frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to rapidly and accurately generate high heat levels making them ideal for boiling and searing. Their visual flame indication also allows you to see the status of every burner in one glance, which is helpful for safety reasons. It's much harder to forget to turn off a burner on, or to switch it off accidentally as it is with an electric hob. The majority of models have a flat surface that makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. That said, it seems that there's nothing that can stop spills and splashes completely, so you'll have to keep on top of cleaning tasks to avoid the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming blemished over time. Gas hobs are also more energy efficient than induction counterparts as they heat up more quickly and more evenly, thus reducing the cost of electricity. This is especially true with vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one unit and eliminate the requirement for a vent hood. This can save on the space in your kitchen as well as creating an elegant design that can be able to blend in with any style of interior. Best ovens to their effectiveness and their ease of use, a lot of homeowners opt for freestanding gas hobs instead of built-in models. They're easier to install and provide greater flexibility if you're trying to achieve a minimalistic look for your kitchen. A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle that contains liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide an alternative energy source. This is a great option for those who you want to go green. However, you'll need to be able to find the right LPG boiler and stove before this option becomes a possibility for you. Additionally, these models will require gas supply and ventilation as well as regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks. 3. Sealed Plate Hobs If you're seeking an elegant and energy-efficient choice, an induction hob is definitely the option to choose. These hobs heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surface stays cool. This makes induction hobs safer (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are less dangerous (no accidental burns!) and more efficient as they use less energy than their electrical or gas counterparts. However, the disadvantage of induction hobs is that they can be expensive to purchase. You'll need to invest in a set of induction-compatible cookware. If you don't want to invest in induction technology, ceramic hobs offer a good middle ground. These sleek and stylish hobs feature a smooth, glass-ceramic finish with heating elements that are hidden beneath that make them more aesthetically pleasing than solid plate hobs. They're also easier to clean as there's no need to do tricky scrubbing. They heat up faster and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they do lag behind induction hobs when regards energy efficiency, so if conscious of your energy usage this may not be the best option for you. Solid plate hobs, a low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are ideal for cooking at home. They're quick to warm up and are perfect for those who don't require a high-powered cooktop, but they're slow to cool down, which is why they're not the best choice for chefs who are able to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs are not as energy efficient as other options. If you're considering a solid plate hob, we recommend choosing one that has been rated by customers on retailers websites. This will not only give you an accurate view of the quality of the product and will help you find the right one for your home. The customers have given this Neff CSPHOBX15 Solid Plate Electric Hob from Currys high ratings and it's made of robust stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it a modern and minimal look. 4. Electric Hobs Electric hobs have the advantage of being energy efficient. Although gas hobs might be a preferred choice for many chefs due to their instant heating and easy control, they're also a popular choice due to the fact that they can provide instant heating. And with modern electric ceramic and induction stoves that come with advanced cooking features, such as power boost settings and precise temperature control, they're a fantastic option for busy households. When selecting an electric hob, look for one that has a sleek design with touch controls and no buttons or dials hanging out. This makes them easier to clean, especially when you choose a flat surface that won't chip or scratch. For security, opt for models with child lock as well as hot indicators and heat shut-offs that can prevent accidents. If you have a smart home, you may want to choose an electronic display that allows you to control your stove remotely and receive notifications via your smartphone. Consider a dual-fuel hob that has both induction and gas burners for ultimate flexibility. The FH-IC7020 by FUJIOH comes with both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for zones of induction, and durable cast iron pan supports to allow traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer that allows you to set specific cooking times for your dishes so that they're ready when you need them and reduces the risk of cooking too long and making food less delicious. Additionally, for greater convenience, you may need an appliance that allows you to merge two cooking zones into a single zone for pans of varying dimensions and shapes. This can save space and be useful if you cook with large rectangular vessels like roasting pans. Similarly, some hobs have the option to add induction plates or teppanyaki grills for additional cooking options. Gas hobs are available in different costs, from as little as PS100 to high-end models costing up to PS1,000. A basic four-zone ceramic stove or an induction model from a major brand will not cost more than PS200. And if you want an elegant glass model it shouldn't cost much also, as there are excellent own-brand options. Be aware that induction and ceramic hobs require a specific supply with the correct breakers and cables to work, so you'll need it installed by an electrician.