Leave a Pot on the Hob
Nigella's recipe often suggests that you "leave pans on the hob", but what does that actually mean? Hob is the British word used to describe a stove top or cooktop and can be electric or gas-powered.
Dual fuel cookers include gas hobs and an electric
oven and hob giving you the
best oven of both worlds. They can provide instant heat but are more expensive to run than single fuel models.
Solid plate hobs
Solid plate hobs have been a stalwart of many homes for decades. Their basic design comprises flat metal plates that heat using electricity, which makes them an affordable option for those on a budget. Their low initial cost could result in higher energy bills in the long run due to their inefficient use. These hobs also require a large amount of heat that is left over and take longer to heat up and cool down than modern hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic, which is more expensive to purchase but far less expensive to run. These hobs are available in a range of styles, including straight and curved and are able to be paired with a variety of ovens to suit any kitchen layout. Furthermore, they're easy to clean and blend well into most modern homes.
Induction hobs are the next step, as they use electromagnetic fields to cookware directly. The surface of the hob remains cool, which minimizes the chance of burning. It is also safe for children to be around it. In addition, induction hobs are the quickest of all types to warm up and cool down.
It is important to take into account the way you cook and your energy needs when you decide on the kind of hob you'll need. Solid plate hobs are affordable to purchase but inefficient, while ceramic and gas hobs are more expensive, but more efficient. Induction hobs are a middle ground that combines efficiency with elegant design.
Gas hobs
The
best hobs gas hobs are easy to use, have a sleek and attractive appearance and are constructed from sturdy materials. They should have a good warranty and be easy to clean. They are also required to be compatible with a range of cookware, and provide instant heat control.
Gas hobs work by connecting each burner to a gas supply which then ignites the fuel, causing a flame. The flame is heated by the pan and the air and allows for precise temperature control. Certain models have a visible flame indicator, which makes it easy to know when the burners are on or off in an instant. Other features available on gas hobs include numerous burners in a variety of sizes, an automatic ignition and drip tray that is removable.
Many modern gas hobs have a stainless steel or ceramic top, with some having a sleek black finish. Based on the design of your kitchen it is also an option of selecting vented or open-burner gas
hobs. Vented hobs have a built-in extractor that draws steam and smoke from cooking pans and releases them to the outside, while open-burner gas hobs don't.
Open-burner hobs sport a classic appearance with a metal knobs and grates, while vented hobs are more contemporary with flat, glass surfaces. Some models come with extra-wide pan support which are ideal for large pans and pots.
Despite the widespread use of electric hobs, such as ceramic and induction hobs however, there is a significant user base for gas hobs. Gas cooking is popular with people who are familiar with the concept. Many government regulations encourage the gradual elimination of appliances that use fossil fuels and the use of energy-efficient alternatives.
All gas-powered hobs require electrical components in order to function, therefore it is crucial to have your gas cooker installed by a skilled carpenter and electrician who will ensure all installations are secure and conform to the standards of the industry. Your electrician will have to run a power line along with a gas line into your kitchen if you are installing a gas hob for the first time. This is typically a straightforward process that doesn't impact the existing piping or electrical connections.
Ceramic hobs
In addition to an attractive, sleek finish ceramic hobs are simple to clean and more efficient in energy use than gas hobs. They function with powerful heating elements under the surface of each zone. The heat is then transferred through the glass into the pan that is above. This cuts down on energy consumption because it only uses the power needed to heat the pan directly and not the air surrounding it. They're also simple to regulate and react quickly to temperature fluctuations.
Ceramic hobs have a flat ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Splatters and spills are easily removed using a damp cloth once they cool. It's important to note that they're not suited to a hot or steamy kitchen in hot or humid conditions, as the glass could discolour and crack when it gets too hot.
Some people might be put off by the fact that ceramic hobs generate some heat under the surface however, this isn't a problem to most. The majority of models come with cooling fans that control the heat below the surface and stop it from affecting kitchens or workspaces. They are also insulated to help reduce heat transfer from the stove to your kitchen.
Another benefit of ceramic hobs is that they are compatible with all types of cookware, unlike induction hobs which require a specific type of magnetically conductive pan. Cast iron cookware shouldn't be used on a ceramic stove because it could scratch the surface.
Many ceramic hobs come fitted with a range of safety features, including residual heat indicators and lockout functions to help minimise accidents in the kitchen. Some ceramic hobs have an overflow prevention feature' that detects when a pan is boiling over and automatically reduces the power to whichever zone it is in to limit the damage. It's just as important to ensure that a ceramic stove is properly installed and configured with the right breakers and cables. This is something that should be left to an electrician with experience, so you can be sure that your kitchen appliance is safe and reliable to use.
Induction hobs
Like their name implies, induction
hobs uk have coils under the surface that generate magnetic fields that create heat within the pan or in any metal object placed on it. They consume less power than other types of electric hobs because they are cold until a pan is put on them. They are more efficient in heating up a pan because the heat generated comes from the bottom of the pan rather than the entire cooktop surface.
Like gas hobs, induction models have a control panel that you can choose your settings and see how much power you're using. However unlike traditional gas hobs they only work using cookware that's compatible with their electromagnetic heating mechanism which means that it has to have a flat, even thick base made of ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Stainless steel and a few non-stick cookwares work, but you must always verify the label or use a magnet on the base to ensure your cookware is compatible with induction.
A popular option in shared student halls as well as iQ Student Accommodation penthouses, induction hobs have sleek LCD displays and contemporary aesthetics that blend seamlessly into modern kitchens. They're more secure than traditional gas hobs because they only get hot when a pan is placed on them, and then they shut off automatically after the pan is removed.
Induction hobs can operate in the same way as an iPhone by tapping the slider that controls your preferred temperature. There are usually also up and down arrows on the control panel, which allow you to adjust the power level, or a dial to control the temperature precisely.
Some models come with the dual flex-zone feature, which allows you join two zones to create a larger surface to cook larger pans.