What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein which is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. It has been determined that it regulates insulin-producing Drosophila cells. It is a part of the secretory system, and is necessary for professional secretory cells to function.
In the British kitchen the hob is the equivalent of a cooktop, or stove top. Nigella often suggests that you place a 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 warm pans and pots. Under the cooktop surface are coils through which an alternating electric current is run. When a ferromagnetic cookware or pan is placed on the cooktop this creates a magnet field that produces electricity. The cooktop is also cool to touch and saves energy compared to electric or gas models.
Induction hobs have another advantage that they are more secure than gas hobs that are traditional. There is Ovens & Hobs which could cause burns to your hands or cookware. These are perfect for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is paramount. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob is not hot and is easily cleaned by rubbing it with a damp cloth.
Induction requires specific pans. You'll need pans with a flat, even thick base made of ferrous metal such as cast iron or steel. In order to determine if these pans are induction-compatible, run a magnet along the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's suitable for your induction cooker.
Ceramic hobs are also very popular due to their elegant appearance and are available in many colours. They heat quickly however they do consume more energy than induction stoves since they are able to heat the entire surface of the glass-ceramic. They are easy to clean too, as the smooth cooktop surface can be wiped with a cloth. Most of them have integrated dishwasher safe lids to provide convenience.
If you want the best of both worlds choose a high-end induction hob such as this one from Hotpoint that comes with a TFT-like display that can display your position of cookware and a control menu that'll allow you to alter the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes to choose from (boil melt, slow and boil cook) and a boost function to give you faster results. It has lockable controls to prevent accidental button pressing and has an indicator for residual heat and auto switch-off in the event that you forget your hob.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs use propane or natural gas to heat their ovens and burners. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better control of temperature. This makes it ideal for cooking, boiling, and sauteing, in addition to other cooking techniques. While it may not be as efficient as an electric hob, a gas-powered one is usually less expensive to run than an electric one.
As a bonus, a gas hob's heat source is independent of electricity, so it will continue to function even in power outages, but at a lower level. The heat produced by the burners is also confined to the pans they come into contact with, which reduces the fire risk. To prevent fires, it's essential to keep flammable items away from the flames.
Modern gas hobs consist of traditional burners and electrical components that regulate the ignition, flame output and safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system that emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame and output of heat. Some also have a timer that allows you to set an exact time for cooking.
Gas hobs are usually cheaper to purchase upfront than induction models, however the cost of running them will be based on the local gas prices. Some gas hobs are used with liquefied petrol gas (LPG) which is an energy source that is usually cheaper than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more care than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate oily spills that get deposited on the burner grates. Also, you'll need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to prevent food residue from accumulating. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Their flat, rimless design removes the need for awkwardly-placed pot holders and utensils that can gather debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They make use of electric coils that create heat under the cooking zone. A lot of models have residual heat indicators that tell you which areas were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This helps minimise accidents and is especially useful for households with children. Some models also have overflow protection, which detects when the pan is boiling and switches off the stove to stop spills.
Created to be sleek and stylish, induction hobs work by transferring an electric charge through copper coils, which create an electric 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.
These are more expensive and require a professional installation. Some come with an elongated glass ceramic cooktops to give them a modern look. They also offer a variety of features, like timers, child locks, auto shutoff, and built-in food sensors.
A popular choice for consumers electric ceramic hobs provide the best of both worlds, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, which is resistant to burning, scratching and stains. These models come in a range of colours that can complement your kitchen and many come with pre-installed trims and panels to give a seamless look.
These models, as well as induction hobs require regular maintenance. The burner caps and grates have to be removed and cleaned with warm water before rebuilding. They are also prone to staining from liquid spillages and are a bit slower than other hobs to heat up, however they have a high energy efficiency.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen component that can transform any culinary endeavor into a musical symphony. We offer a range of hobs to fit every budget and need.
The most effective hobs will be stylish sturdy, durable, and easy to clean. They have a range of features that allow you to cook without difficulty. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most well-known options.
Ceramic hobs are energy-efficient and easy to clean because they utilize electric heating elements beneath a glass surface. They are quick to heat up and offer precise temperature control, making them ideal for all types of cookware. Certain models have residual heat indicators to alert you if your glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs create an electric field that allows heat to be produced where it is required. They heat up faster than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs and provide excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs have been a common option for many years 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 all pans. They can be difficult to clean because the grates and burners are prone to having nooks and crevices where dirt can hide.
Solid plate hobs have a excellent heat distribution and are durable. They are perfect for everyday use. They are generally less expensive than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you have a limited space. They can be converted to use bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. They may take longer to cool down and heat and are not suitable for simmering. Modern hobs have child locks, as well as a variety of safety features that give you peace of mind.