15 Terms That Everyone Within The Best Hobs Industry Should Know
15 Terms That Everyone Within The Best Hobs Industry Should Know
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The Best Hobs
Hobs come in a range of sizes and materials. The most durable hobs are long-lasting elegant, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs for their precise flame control and versatility. However, electric hobs can be more efficient in energy use and are more easy to clean. Look for features such as a timer and power boost that allow you to boost the heat quickly to accelerate cooking.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs provide a contemporary efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as do gas hobs they utilize magnetic technology to only warm the copper coils beneath your pans. This means that the cooktop remains cool to the surface and is more secure to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They're now a common kitchen appliance in HelloFresh's kitchen test kitchen. We are in love with this sleek, premium model from AEG which boasts four cooking zones that have individually controlled functions and a handy minute minder. It has a smooth surface that is easy to clean and is easy to use with the touch control panels, but one minor gripe (which is typical for all induction hobs) is that the distribution of heat may be patchy; however it is only noticeable when stirring-frying.
The AEG induction hob comes with a five-year guarantee and impressive green certifications. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low energy consumption of just 775 watts per cooking zone. The "Flux zone" feature allows you to move your pans around in the four zones and adjust their power levels to suit the pans or pots you use and the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% to ensure quick boiling. The auto-shutoff function as well as the 'fryingSensor,' which prevents overheating of your pan are other useful features.
This is an induction hob with a low price tag that can be wired to a kitchen worktop or a new one. The cooking zones can be operated independently and are marked with an arrow or cross to indicate the center of the coil. There is also a touch-control panel. It has a large 'Flux Zone' which can hold larger pans or pots. It's also pre-programmed to have preset power levels for the front, middle, and rear zones. This is ideal if you frequently cook with multiple different sized or shaped pans that have to be brought to the boiling point, then simmered and kept warm while cooking.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) still reigns supreme when it comes to kitchen cooking. They are ideal for boiling water, simmering sauces and soups, frying meats and eggs as well as pan-frying. Their popularity is due to their ability to create high temperatures quickly and precisely, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
The flame's visual indicator allows you to see the status of each burner in a glance, which is useful for security reasons. With an electric hob, it's less likely to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was on.
The majority of models have a flat surface, which makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. There isn't a material that can protect the Neff T27DS59N0 from splashes or spills. You'll have to be vigilant in cleaning to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from becoming stained over time.
Gas hobs can also be more energy efficient than induction cousins, as they heat up more quickly and evenly, reducing electricity costs. This is especially true for vented stoves, which incorporate the two appliances in one unit and eliminate the requirement for vent hoods. This can save on the space in your kitchen as well as creating a sleeker design that will blend in with any style of interior.
Due to their effectiveness and ease of use, many homeowners opt for gas hobs that stand on their own rather than built-in versions. These are easier to set up and provide more flexibility when you are looking to achieve a a minimalistic kitchen look.
A freestanding model can be connected to a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a different source of energy. This is a great option for those who you want to go green. However, you'll need to be able to locate a suitable LPG boiler and stove before this is an option for you. In addition, these models require gas supply and ventilation as well as regular maintenance to ensure there aren't any leaks.
3. Sealed Plate Hobs
Induction hobs are the ideal choice if you're looking for a sleek, energy-efficient appliance. Hobs that induction heat pans and pots using electromagnetic fields, and the glass-ceramic surface remains cool. Induction hobs are more secure (no accidental burning!) Induction hobs are less dangerous (no accidental burns!) and more efficient because they consume less energy than counterparts made of electrical or gas. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.
For those who don't want to invest in ceramic hobs, induction hobs offer a good alternative. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top that conceals heating elements. They are more aesthetically appealing and easier to clean than solid plate hobs, as they don't require a lengthy scouring. Plus, they are more efficient at heating than solid plate hobs and are more adaptable to the needs of your cook. However, they fall behind induction hobs when regards energy efficiency, so if you're conscious of your energy usage this may not be the best option for you.
Solid plate hobs are a good budget option, with a straightforward and sturdy design that's ideal for everyday cooking. They're easy to warm up and are perfect for those who don't need a powerful cooktop, however they're not quick to cool down, so they're not the ideal choice for chefs who love to be multitasking. Solid plate hobs also release lots of heat, so they're not as efficient like the other options on this list.
If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we suggest selecting one that's been reviewed by customers on the websites of retailers. This will not only give you an honest insight into how it works, but it will aid you in finding the right model for your home. For example, this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is finished with long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls go well with other kitchen appliances, creating a a modern and minimal look.
4. Electric Hobs
Electric hobs have the benefit of being energy efficient. Although gas hobs might be a favorite choice for many chefs due to their rapid heating and easy control, they're also a popular choice due to the fact that they provide instant heat. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking features like power increase settings and temperature control. They're a great choice for busy households.
Look for an electric hob with a an elegant design and has touchscreen controls. Avoid those with buttons or dials that are protruding. This makes them less difficult to clean, especially when you choose an even surface that doesn't chip or scratch. Make sure you choose a model that comes with child locks, hot indicator lights, and residual heat shutoffs to avoid accidents. And, if you have a smart home, go for a digital display that gives you a remote control and alerts through your smartphone, so you can control your hob effortlessly.
To maximize flexibility, think about a dual fuel hob that includes gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 by FUJIOH comes with both. It features intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and durable cast iron pan supports that support traditional gas cooking. There's also a timer function, which lets you set specific cooking times for meals so they are ready when needed and reduces the risk of cooking too long and making food less delicious.
Lastly, for added convenience, you might want a model that allows you to merge two cooking zones into one zone to accommodate pans of various sizes and shapes. This will save space and can be beneficial when cooking with large rectangular vessels, such as roasting pans. Some hobs also have the option of adding Teppanyaki grills or induction plates to provide additional cooking options.
You'll find cheap own-brand gas hobs starting at PS100 and more expensive models that cost upwards of PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a major brand should cost less than PS200. And if you want an elegant click here glass model it won't cost a fortune either as there are some top options from own brands. But, keep in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs require a particular supply with the appropriate cables and breakers to work so you'll need to get it installed by a qualified electrician.