What is a Hob?
Hob is a controlled exocytosis protein. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory system and is essential for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen a hob is akin to a cooktop. Nigella often suggests placing a pot "on the hob." The word is used in the same way in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs use magnetism rather than direct heat to heat pots and pans. Under the cooktop surface are coils through which an electric current that is alternating is pushed. When a ferromagnetic pot or pan is positioned over the cooktop, it creates a magnet field that generates electricity. The cooktop is also cool to touch and saves energy in comparison to gas or electric models.
Another advantage is that induction hobs are safer than their traditional gas counterparts and have no open flames to harm your fingers or cookware. They are perfect for student rooms and iQ Student Accommodation flats, where safety is important. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob will not get hot, and is easy to clean using a damp rag.
Induction requires special pans. You will need pans that have a flat, even thick base made of ferrous metals like cast iron or steel. To determine if these pans are induction-compatible, you should run a magnet along 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 modern appearance and are available in a variety of colours. They are quick to heat up, although they tend to use more energy than induction hobs because they heat the entire glass ceramic surface. They are easy to keep clean, too, since the cooktop's smooth surface can be wiped with a cloth and most of them have dishwasher-safe lids for extra convenience.
If you're looking for the most efficient of both go for a top induction cooker like this one from Hotpoint that comes with a full TFT screen to show the cookware's position and a control menu that'll let you change the power settings. It offers four automatic cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) as well as an extra-quick boost function. It also has control locks to avoid accidental button pressing and comes with an indicator for residual heat and auto switch-off in the event that you forget to turn off the hob.
Gas hobs
A gas hob uses propane or natural gas to heat its burners and oven which results in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling and sauteing, as well as other cooking methods. While it might not be as efficient as an electric hob, a gas hob is usually less expensive to run than an electric one.
In addition, a gas hob's heat source is independent of electricity, meaning it can still function during power outages, albeit at a lower level. oven uk generated by the burners is also limited to the pans they come into contact with, which reduces the risk of fire. It's still important to keep all flammable substances away from the stove and to follow safe cooking methods to avoid accidental fires.
Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the flame's output, ignition and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or an electric pilot flame to light the burner. The control knobs let you alter the intensity of the flame as well as the heat output. Some come with a built-in timer which lets you determine a specific cooking time.
While the upfront purchase price of a gas hob is typically lower than an induction model however, operating costs will be contingent on the local gas rates. Certain gas hobs can be used with liquefied petrol gas (LPG) which is an energy source that is usually cheaper than natural gas.
Another drawback of a gas hob is that it requires more care than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to collect grease-laden spills on the burner's grates. You'll also need to clean the flat, rimless cooking surface frequently to prevent food residues from building up. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils which can gather debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They make use of electric coils that create heat beneath the cooking zone. Many models also have residual heat indicators that let you know which zones have been used recently and will be too hot to touch or clean. This helps minimise accidents and is especially helpful for households with children. Certain models also come with overflow protection, which detects when the pot is boiling and shuts off the stove to avoid spills.
Designed to be sleek 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 provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
However, these kinds of cooktops can be more expensive than gas models and should be installed by a professional. Many come with a flat ceramic glass cooktops that have a modern design and offer an array of options, including child locks and timers, auto shut-off and built-in food sensors.
Electric ceramic hobs are a favorite among consumers. They have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is also resistant to stains, burns and scratches. They are also available in a wide variety of colours to complement your kitchen's design. Some are pre-installed with panels and trims to create a seamless finish.
These models, similar to induction hobs, require regular maintenance. The burner caps and grates have to be removed and cleaned in warm water prior to rebuilding. They also are susceptible to staining by liquid spills and are a bit slower than other hob types to heat up, although they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs

Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform any food preparation into a musical symphony. If you're planning to build your cooking tools in a new way or simply seeking an upgrade, we've got a range of hob types that will meet your requirements and budget.
The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They offer a variety of features that will allow you to cook without difficulty. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most sought-after choices.
Ceramic hobs employ heating elements that are electric and placed on glass surfaces to transfer heat directly to your cookware making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They are quick to heat up and provide precise temperature control, making them suitable for all kinds of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators to warn you if your glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated where it is needed. They are more efficient in heating than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs, and also provide excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs have been a popular option for many years and are still the preferred choice of many chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, making them suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. They are also economical and can be used in most pans. However, they are harder to clean because the grates and burners contain nooks and crevices where dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are durable and durable, offering the best heat distribution for everyday use. They are generally cheaper than gas or induction hobs and are ideal for when you have limited space. Some are able to be converted for use with bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. They take longer to cool down and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Modern ovens come with child locks, along with a range of safety features to ensure your safety.