What is a Hob?

Hob is a regulated exocytosis protein. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory apparatus, and is required for the proper function of secretory cells.

In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop, or stove top. Nigella frequently suggests leaving a pot "on the hob." The word"hob" has a similar meaning in North America.

Hobs with induction

Induction hobs make use of magnetism rather than direct heat to warm pans and pots. On the cooktop's surface are coils through which an alternating electric current is run. When a ferromagnetic cookware or pan is placed over the cooktop, it creates a magnet field that produces electricity. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, thereby saving energy in comparison to gas and electric models.

Induction hobs also have a benefit: they are safer than gas hobs made of traditional materials. There is no open flame that could harm your hands or cookware. They are great for student rooms or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic surface of hob will not get hot, and can be easily cleaned by rubbing it with a damp cloth.

The drawback to induction is that you need specific pans that are compatible. You'll need pans that are made of a thick, flat base made of ferrous metals like cast iron and steel. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a good way to determine this is by running an iron rod across the base. If the magnet is stuck to the pan, it's suitable for your induction cooker.

Ceramic hobs are also very popular due to their sleek look and come in many colours. They are quick to heat up however they do consume more energy than induction stoves due to the fact that they make use of the entire surface of glass-ceramic. The smooth surface of the cooktop can be cleaned with a soft cloth. The majority of them have lids that are dishwasher safe.

If you're looking to get the most efficient of both, opt for a premium induction hob such as this one from Hotpoint, which has a full TFT screen to show the position of your cookware and a control menu that will let you change the settings for the power. It comes with four auto-cooking options (boiling melting, boiling and slow cooking) as well as an extra-quick boost function. It comes with lockable controls to prevent accidental button pushing and has 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 oven and burners which results in a faster cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it perfect for frying, boiling and sauteing, in addition to other cooking methods. While it may not be as efficient in energy as an electric hob, a gas hob is generally less expensive to operate than an electric one.

Gas hobs are also free of electricity. This means they can still work during power outages, though at a slower rate. It also has a lower chance of fire since the heat of the burners is restricted to the pans they're in contact with. To avoid fires, it's important to keep any flammable objects away from the flames.

Modern gas hobs are a combination of traditional burners and electrical components that control ignition, flame output and safety features. Most models utilise an electric ignition system that emits an electric spark or an electrical pilot flame to light the burner. They also have control knobs that allow you to alter the intensity of the flame and the heat output. Many also come with a timer that lets you to set an exact time for cooking.

While the initial cost of gas hobs is generally less than that of an induction model, operating costs will depend on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are used with liquefied petrol gas (LPG), an energy source that is usually cheaper than natural gas.

Another disadvantage of a gas stove is that it requires more maintenance than an electric one. The burner grates are prone to attract greasy spills, and you'll have to wipe down the flat cooking surface more frequently to avoid food residue accumulating in crevices. Fortunately, some brands, such as FUJIOH has made maintenance easier by utilizing stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron hob grates that can be taken off to clean. Their flat, rimless design avoids the need for awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils which could collect debris.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs heat 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 to indicate which areas have been used recently and ovensandhobs will be too hot to touch or clean. This is especially useful in homes with children. Certain models also come with overflow protection that detects when the pot is boiling and switches off the stove to stop spillage.

Induction hobs look sleek and stylish. They work by passing a flow of electricity through copper coils to create a magnetic field which heats the bottoms of compatible induction cookware. Induction hobs are quicker at boiling than gas hobs, and provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

These are more expensive and require a professional installation. Some are equipped with a flat glass ceramic cooktops, giving them a modern appearance. They also offer various features, including timers and child locks, as well as auto shutoffs and built-in sensors for food.

Electric ceramic hobs are a favorite among consumers. They offer smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and are also resistant to stains, burns and scratches. They are also available in a selection of colors to complement your kitchen design and many are pre-installed with trims and panels for seamless appearance.

These models, as well as induction hobs require regular maintenance. The burner caps and grates need to be removed and cleaned in warm water before the reassembling. They also have a tendency to staining from liquid spillages and are slower than other hobs to heat up, although they are extremely efficient in energy use.

The best hobs

Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform any food preparation into a complete symphony. If you're looking to create your cooking arsenal anew or simply seeking an upgrade, we have various hob styles that will meet your requirements and budget.

The most elegant hobs are stylish and durable, as well as easy to clean. They also offer a wide variety of specialist features that let you cook like an expert. Ceramic or induction and gas are the most sought-after choices.

Ceramic hobs are energy efficient and easy to clean because they use electric heating elements beneath glass surfaces. They heat up quickly and control the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all kinds of cookware. Some models come with residual heat indicators to warn you when your glass surface is still warm.

Induction hobs create magnetic fields that allow heat to be generated when it is required. They are more efficient in heating than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs and have a high energy efficiency.

Gas hobs have been a common choice for a long time and are still preferred by many chefs. They heat up quickly and offer instant control of heat. This makes them suitable for many cooking techniques. They are also cost-effective to run and can be used with a wide range of pans. However, they are harder to clean because the burners and grates have nooks and crannies where dirt can get.

Solid plate hobs are strong and durable, providing the best heat distribution that is suitable for daily use. They are generally less expensive than gas or induction hobs and are ideal if you have a limited space. They can be converted to use bottles of LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. They may take longer to cool and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Modern hobs have child locks and a range of safety features to give you peace of mind.