20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Hob Fans Should Know
What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein which is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. It has been found that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory apparatus, and is essential for professional secretory cell function.
In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop, or stove top. Nigella often suggests leaving a pot "on the hob." The word is used in the same way in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs heat pots and pans by magnetism, not direct heating. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils through which an alternating electrical current flows through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field that produces electricity to heat the pan. The cooktop is also cool to the feel and uses less energy when in comparison to gas or electric models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are less dangerous than traditional gas models as there is no open flames that could harm your fingers or cookware. These are perfect for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is a priority. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of hob is not hot and is easy to clean with a damp rag.
The drawback to induction is that you do need specific pans that are compatible. You'll need pans that have a flat, thick base composed of ferrous metals such as cast iron and steel. In order to determine if these pans are induction-compatible, apply a magnet to the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction hob.
Ceramic hobs are also very popular because they have a sleek look and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to heat up, although they tend to use more energy than induction hobs, since they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to clean as well, since the smooth cooktop surface can be wiped with a cloth. Most of them come with dishwasher safe lids to provide convenience.
If you want the best of both worlds, opt for a premium induction hob like this one from Hotpoint that comes with a full TFT screen to show the cookware's position and a control menu that'll allow you to change the settings for the power. It has four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil, melt and slow cook) and an increase function to get faster results. It comes with lockable controls to prevent accidental button-pushing and has a residual heat indicator and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget your hob.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of propane or natural gas to heat its oven and burners, resulting in a faster cooking time and better temperature control. This makes it perfect for cooking, boiling, and sauteing, as well as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to run than electric hobs, despite the fact that they aren't as efficient as electric hobs.
As a bonus, a gas hob's heat source is unaffected by electricity, meaning it's still functional during power outages, albeit at a lower speed. It also has a lower risk of fire since the burners' heat is confined to the pans they come in contact with. But, it's crucial to keep flammable materials away from the stove and use safe cooking habits to avoid accidental fires.
A modern gas hob is a combination of traditional gas burners and various electrical components that control the burners' ignition, flame output, and safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system which emits either an electric spark or a pilot flame to ignite the burner. They also have control knobs to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Many come with an automatic timer that allows you to set an exact cooking duration.
Gas hobs are usually less expensive to purchase in the beginning than induction models, but the cost of operating them will be based on local gas prices. Some gas hobs work with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which is often cheaper than natural gas.
hob uk need more attention than electric ones. The burner grates are prone to attract greasy spills, and you'll need to wipe down the flat rimless cooking surface more often to prevent food debris from getting trapped in crevices. Luckily, certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron hob grates which can be removed for cleaning. Additionally their flat rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly placed utensils and pot holders that can collect debris and increase the likelihood of spillages.
Electric hobs
Making use of electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone electric hobs are easy to heat and easy to clean after use. Many models come with residual heat indicators that let you know what zones were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This is particularly helpful for homes with children. Certain models are also equipped with an overflow safety feature that detects when a pan is boiling over and immediately shuts off the stove to prevent spillage.
Induction hobs are sleek and stylish. They operate by passing a flow of electricity through copper coils to create a magnetic field that warms the bottoms of cookware compatible with induction. Induction hobs are faster at boiling than gas hobs, and they provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of cooktops can be more expensive than traditional gas models and should be installed by an experienced professional. They are often equipped with a flat ceramic glass cooktop for a modern look and include a range of features such as child locks and timers, auto shut off and built in food sensors.
Electric ceramic hobs are popular for users. They have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, which is also resistant to stains, burns, and scratches. They come in a variety of colours that complement your kitchen and many have pre-installed panels and trims to give a seamless look.
Similar to induction hobs, they require regular maintenance, with burner caps and grates having to be removed regularly and then soaked in warm water to wash before re-assembling. They also have a tendency to staining by liquid spills and are slower than other hobs to heat up, although they are extremely efficient in energy use.
The best hobs
Hobs are a vital kitchen appliance that can turn any cooking endeavor into a musical symphony. We offer a range of hobs to fit every budget and need.
The most stylish hobs are sleek durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They offer a variety of features that allow you to cook without difficulty. Ceramic, induction, and gas are the most popular options.
Ceramic hobs are energy-efficient and easy to clean since they employ electric heating elements under a glass surface. They heat quickly and regulate the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all types cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that inform you when the glass surface is still hot.
Induction hobs work by creating an electric field between the element and the pan which allows heat to be generated only when it is required. They heat up faster than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs and provide excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs are a more traditional option and are preferred by many professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a variety of cooking methods. They are also economical to run and can be used with a wide range of pans. However, they are more difficult to clean since the grates and burners have nooks and crannies where dirt can get.

Solid plate hobs are sturdy and durable, offering an excellent heat distribution for everyday use. They tend to be less expensive than gas or induction hobs, and are ideal if you have limited space. They can be converted to make use of bottles of LPG and can be used with all kinds of pans. However, they may take a bit longer to warm up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. A lot of modern hobs are equipped with child locks and a range of safety features that are enhanced for added peace of mind.