What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It has also been found to regulate insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. It is part of the secretory system and is essential for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop or stove top. Nigella often suggests leaving an uncooked pot on the hob. The word is used with similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs make use of magnetism rather than direct heat to heat pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils through which an alternating electrical current runs through, and when a ferrromagnetic pan is placed on top of the cooktop, it creates a magnetic field that generates electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop is cool to the touch, saving energy when compared to electric and gas models.
Induction hobs have another advantage They are also safer than gas hobs that are traditional. There is no open flame which could harm your hands or cookware. They are great for student halls or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob will not get hot and is easy to clean with a damp rag.
Induction requires special pans. You will need pans with a flat or even thick base made of ferrous metal such as cast iron or steel. To determine if the pans are induction-compatible, apply a magnet to the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it is a good pan for your induction cooker.
Other popular options include ceramic hobs, which have a sleek finish and come in a range of colours. They are quick to heat up, but they tend to use more energy than induction hobs as they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean as well, since the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned using a cloth and most of them have dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking to get the best of both worlds, opt for a premium induction cooker like this one from Hotpoint, which has an entire TFT screen to display your position of cookware and a control menu that will allow you to alter the power settings. It comes with four auto cooking modes to select from (boil melt, slow and boil cook) as well as a boost function to give you faster results. It also has lockable controls to prevent accidental button pressing and comes with an indicator of residual heat and auto switch-off in the event that you forget to turn off your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses propane or natural gas to heat its burners and oven, resulting in a faster cooking speed and higher temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling, sauteing, as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally more affordable to run than electric ones, despite the fact that they may not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Additionally the gas hob's heat source is independent of electricity, so it's still functional during power outages, albeit at a lower level. It also has a lower chance of fire because the heat from the burners is confined to the pans that they come into contact with. It's still important to keep all flammable substances away from the stove and to follow safe cooking methods to avoid accidental fires.
A modern gas hob is a blend of traditional gas burners as well as certain electrical components that regulate the burners' ignition and flame output as well as 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 allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame and heat output. Many come with a timer that lets you to set an exact time for cooking.
Although the initial purchase cost of gas hobs is usually lower than a model with an induction motor the operating cost will be contingent on the local gas prices. Certain gas hobs can be used with the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be cheaper than natural gas.
Another disadvantage of a gas-powered hob is that it requires more care than an electric one. The burner grates are prone to attract greasy spills, and you'll need to clean the flat, rimless cooking surface more often to avoid food residue getting trapped in crevices. Fortunately, some brands, like FUJIOH has made maintenance easier by utilizing stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron grates that can be removed to clean. Their flat, rimless design removes the use of awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that can collect debris.
Electric hobs
Using electric coils to generate heat under the cooking zone, electric hobs are quick to heat and easy to clean after use. A lot of models have residual heat indicators that inform you what zones were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This is especially useful in homes where children live. Some models are also fitted with an overflow safety feature that detects when a pot is boiling and then automatically shuts off the oven to stop spills.
Created to be elegant and stylish, induction hobs operate by transferring an electric current through copper coils, which create a magnetic field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. Induction hobs are more efficient at boiling than gas hobs, and they provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
These are more expensive and require a professional installation. They are often equipped with a flat ceramic cooktop for a modern look and offer an array of options, including child locks, timers, auto shut-off and built-in sensors for food preparation.
A favorite choice among customers electric ceramic hobs give the best of both worlds by offering a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, which is resistant to burns, scratches and staining. These models are also available in a selection of colors to complement the kitchen decor. Many come with pre-installed trims and panels to give a seamless finish.
Similar to induction hobs these hobs require regular maintenance, with grates and burner caps having to be cleaned regularly and then soaked in warm water to wash before reassembling. They also have a tendency to staining from liquid spillages and are a bit slower than other hobs to heat up, although they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen component that transform any culinary endeavour into a music of flavours. We have a variety of hobs to fit any budget and need.
The most stylish hobs are sleek and durable, as well as easy to clean. They also have a array of special features that let you cook like professional. Ceramic or induction and gas are the most well-known options.
Ceramic hobs employ heating elements that are electric and placed on a glass surface to transfer heat directly to your cookware, making them energy efficient and simple to clean. They are quick to heat up and control the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all kinds of cookware. Certain models come with residual heat indicators that inform you when the glass surface remains hot.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated where it is required. They are quicker to warm up than gas or sealed plate hobs and provide excellent efficiency in energy use, and there is no waste of heat from the other parts of the hob.
Gas hobs are a more traditional option and are preferred by 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 and can be used in all pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the burners and grates contain nooks and crevices where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs provide good heat distribution and are long-lasting. They are ideal for use in everyday life. They are usually cheaper than induction and gas hobs, and are ideal when you have limited space. Some are able to make use of bottled LPG, and they can be used with all kinds of pans. However, they may take a little longer to warm up and cool down, and aren't ideal for simmering. A majority of the modern stoves that we offer come with child locks and a range of safety features that are enhanced for added peace of mind.