10 Essentials About Best Hobs You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
The Best HobsHobs come in a range of materials and sizes. The best hobs will be sturdy, stylish and easy to clean.
Our experts favour gas hobs due to their precise flame control and flexibility. Electric models are more efficient in energy use and easier to clean. You can speed up the cooking process by using features like an energy boost or a timer.
1. Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are an innovative and efficient alternative to traditional ceramic or gas models. Instead of heating the entire cooking area as gas hobs do they utilize magnetic technology to warm up the copper coils below your pans. This means the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch which makes them more secure to use and easier to clean. They also cook faster than traditional kettles and use less energy. They are now a staple kitchen appliance in the HelloFresh test kitchen, and we are in love with this elegant, premium model from AEG that comes with four cooking zones with individually controlled functions and an easy-to-use minute reminder. The smooth surface is easy to clean and the touch control panels are simple to use. However the heat distribution is patchy. This is a common issue for all induction hobs.
The AEG induction hob comes with a good five-year warranty and impressive eco ratings. It is a A+ rating for energy efficiency and a low power consumption of just 750w per cooking zone. The 'Flux zone' feature allows you to move your pans around within the four zones and alter the power levels to match your pans or pots, while the 'Power Boost' function increases the output by 50% for quick boiling. Other helpful features include an auto-shut off function as well as a 'fryingSensor' feature that stops the pan from overheating, which means you do not have to worry about burning food.
This is a great low-cost induction hob that is easily wired and fitted to a brand new or existing worktop. The cooking zones can be controlled independently and are identified with an arrow or cross to indicate the coil's centre. It also has a touch-control panel. It features a large 'Flux zone', which can accommodate larger pans and pots with ease and is pre-programmed so that you have power levels set in the front, middle and rear zones. This is great if you regularly cook with a variety of sizes or shaped pans that have to be brought up to boiling point, then simmered and kept warm at the same time.
2. Gas Hobs
A gas hob (or gas cooktop if you're American) remains the most popular choice in kitchen cooking. They are the best choice for boiling water, simmering soups and sauces, frying eggs and pan-frying meats. Their popularity is due to their ability to produce high temperatures quickly and precisely, making them perfect for boiling and searing.
The flame's visual indicator makes it easy to check the status of every burner in one glance, which is useful for safety reasons. With an electric hob, it's less likely to accidentally switch on an appliance or forget it was turned on.
Most models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to maintain than their ceramic counterparts. That said, it seems that there's no material that could stop spills and splashes completely, so you'll have to be on top of cleaning duties to prevent the Neff T27DS59N0 from fading over time.
Gas hobs can also be more energy efficient than counterparts induction, since they heat up faster and evenly, saving on electricity costs. This is particularly true for vented stoves, which combine the two appliances into one and eliminate the need for vent hoods. This will save space in your kitchen and give it a sleeker look that will be a perfect fit with any style of interior.
As a result of their efficiency and ease of use, many home owners prefer to go for gas hobs that are freestanding rather than built-in versions. They are easier to install and provide more flexibility if you're looking to create a minimalist look for your kitchen.
Another advantage of choosing an independent model is the ability to connect it to the bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) which can be an alternative source of energy if you're looking for a more sustainable alternative. You'll need to locate an LPG stove and boiler that you like before you can think about this alternative. These models require a gas supply, ventilation, and regular maintenance to ensure there are no leaks.
3. Hobs with Sealed Plates
Induction hobs are the ideal option if you want an elegant, energy-efficient appliance. Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic fields to heat your pans and pots directly, while the flat ceramic-ceramic glass surface remains cool. This makes induction hobs more secure (no accidental burns!) Induction hobs are safer (no accidental burns!) and more efficient because they consume less energy than counterparts made of electrical or gas. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase kitchen appliances that are compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a good alternative for those who do not need to invest in technology of induction. These stylish and sleek hobs have a smooth glass-ceramic top that conceals heating elements. They're more visually appealing and easy to clean than solid plate hobs because they don't need difficult scouring. They are more efficient in heating and are more responsive than solid-plate hobs. However, they are behind induction hobs when it regards energy efficiency, so if you're conscious of your energy usage this may not be the best choice for you.
Solid plate hobs, the low-cost option with their basic and reliable design, are ideal for cooking at home. They're quick to heat up and are ideal for those who don't require an electric cooktop, however they're slow to cool down, which is why they're not the best choice for chefs who love to do multiple tasks. Solid plate hobs are not as efficient in energy as other options.
If you're thinking of buying a sturdy plate hob, we recommend looking for one that's been reviewed by customers on retailer websites. Not only will this give you an honest insight into the performance of the appliance and how it's used, but it can assist you in locating a model that's right for your home. For instance this Neff CSPHOBX15 Electric Solid Plate Hob from Currys has been highly rated by customers and is finished in long-lasting stainless steel. The black controls are a perfect match with other kitchen appliances, giving it a an elegant and minimalist look.
4. Electric Hobs
While gas hobs are the preferred choice for many cooks due to their instant heat and easy control, electric models have the advantage of being more energy efficient. Modern electric ceramic and induction stoves offer advanced cooking functions like power increase settings and temperature control. They're an excellent choice for busy households.
Find an electric hob that has an elegant design and has touchscreen controls. Avoid models with dials or buttons that protrude. They are more easy to clean when they have a smooth surface, and won't scratch or chip. Choose a model that has child locks as well as hot indicator lights and residual heat shutoffs to stop accidents. If you have a smart connected home, you might opt for a digital display that allows you to manage your hob from read more afar and also receive notifications from your smartphone.
For ultimate flexibility, consider a dual fuel stove that has gas burners and induction. The FH-IC7020 by FUJIOH comes with both. It comes with intuitive touchscreen controls for induction zones and sturdy cast iron pan supports to accommodate traditional gas cooking. The timer function allows you to set certain cooking times so that your food is cooked at the time you require it. This minimizes the chance of cooking too long, and can make your food less delicious.
For added convenience for added convenience, a kitchen appliance with two separate zones for cooking pans in different shapes and sizes is the best choice. This will save space and is useful if you cook with large rectangular vessels such as roasting pans. Some hobs also have the option of adding induction plates or grills to give you additional cooking options.
Gas hobs can be found in a range of costs, from as little as PS100 to top-of-the-line models that cost up to PS1,000. But a basic four-zone ceramic or induction hob from a reputable brand should still cost you less than PS200. If you'd prefer glass models there are plenty of great alternatives from manufacturers of own brand. But, keep in mind that both induction and ceramic hobs need a specific supply configured with the right breakers and cables so you'll need to get it installed by a certified electrician.