Leave a Pot on the Hob
Nigella's recipe often suggests that you "leave pans on the stove" however what exactly does that actually mean? A hob is the British word for a stove top or cooktop and is usually electric or gas.
Dual fuel cookers come with gas hobs and an electric oven that gives you the best of both worlds. They can provide instant heat but are more expensive to operate than single fuel models.
Solid plate hobs
Solid plate hobs have been a staple of many homes for years. They are a simple choice for those looking to save money. Their design is flat metal plates that heat up with electricity. However, their initial cost could lead to higher electricity bills in the future because of their inefficient use of energy. These hobs require a lot of residual heat and take longer to warm up or cool down.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the ceramic one, which is more expensive to purchase but far less expensive to run. Hobs are available in different styles including curvy and flat. They can be paired with ovens of various shapes and sizes to suit any kitchen layout. They are easy to clean and blend into modern homes.
Induction hobs are the next step, since they utilize electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. This means that the hob surface itself remains cool, reducing the danger of accidental burns and making it safer for children youngsters to touch. Additionally, induction hobs are the fastest of all the kinds to heat up and cool down.
When you are deciding on which hob to buy, it's important to consider your cooking habits and energy needs. Solid plate hobs can be cheap, but they are not efficient. Gas and ceramic hobs, on the contrary on the other hand, are more expensive but are more efficient. Induction hobs are a good option, since they combine the efficiency of a gas hob with a fashionable look.
Gas hobs
The top gas hobs are easy to use, have a sleek and stylish appearance and are made from robust materials. They should come with a solid guarantee and be easy-to-clean. Additionally, they should be compatible with a large range of cookware and offer instant heat control.
Gas hobs work by connecting each burner to a gas supply which then ignites the fuel and creates an flame. The flame is heated by the pan and the air which allows for precise temperature control. Some models include a visual flame indicator, which makes it easy to know when the burners are turned on or off in an instant. Other features that are available on gas hobs include numerous burners in different sizes, an automatic ignition system and drip tray that can be removed.
Modern gas hobs often have ceramic or stainless steel top, with some having a sleek black glass finish. You can choose between open-burner and vented hobs according to the style of your kitchen. Open-burner gas stoves don't have an extractor built in which removes the smoke and steam from the cooking pans.
Open-burner hobs have a classic design with metal grates and knobs while vented hobs look more modern with flat, glass surfaces. Some models even feature an extra-wide pan support which is an advantage for larger pots and pans.
Despite the widespread use of electric hobs like ceramic and induction however, there is a significant user base for gas hobs. This is largely due to consumer preferences and the familiarity with gas cooking. Certain government regulations encourage the phase-out of appliances that use fossil fuels and the use of energy-efficient alternatives.
Gas-powered hobs are all electrical components in order to function. Therefore, it is essential to have them installed by a licensed electrician and carpenter who can ensure that the installation is safe and meets industry standards. Your electrician will have to run a power cable along with gas lines into your kitchen when you are installing a new gas hob. In the majority of cases, this is straightforward and won't alter your plumbing or electrical connections.
Ceramic hobs
As well as an attractive, sleek finish ceramic hobs are easy to clean and more efficient in energy use than gas hobs. They operate by utilizing high-powered heating elements beneath the surface of each zone. They then transfer the heat from the glass to the pan over. This reduces energy wastage as it only directly heats the pan and not the air surrounding it. They are also easy to control and respond quickly to temperature fluctuations.
Ceramic hobs have a flat, ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp cloth once they cool. It's important to note that they're not suitable for the kitchen that is hot or steamy in hot or humid conditions, as the glass could discolour and crack when it gets too hot.
Some people might be frightened by the fact that ceramic cooktops generate some amount of heat underneath the surface however this isn't a problem to the majority. The majority of models come with cooling fans that manage the heat below the surface and stop it from affecting kitchens and workspaces. They're also constructed with insulation and are designed to reduce heat transfer between the stove and your kitchen.
Another advantage of ceramic hobs is that they can be used with most types of cookware, unlike induction hobs which require a specific type of magnetically conductive pan. However, it's recommended to avoid using any cookware made from cast iron on a ceramic hob since it can scratch the surface.
Many ceramic hobs are equipped with safety features such as residual heat indicators as well as a lockout function to minimise accidents within the home. Some even have 'overflow protection which detects when a cooking pot is boiling over and automatically cut off the power supply to the zone to minimise the damage and mess. Similar to electric cookers generally, it's important to ensure a ceramic hob is correctly installed and fitted with the correct cables and breakers for full security. It's best to leave this to a qualified electrical engineer so that you can be certain that your ceramic hob is safe and reliable.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, like their ovens and hobs name implies, have coils underneath the surface which produce magnetic fields. These fields produce heat inside the pan or any metal item placed on the hob. They use less power than other types of electric hobs since they remain cold until a pan is placed on them, and they are more efficient in heating up a pan since the heat produced is sourced from the bottom of the pan rather than the entire cooktop surface.
Like gas hobs, models with induction have a control panel that you can choose your settings and see how much power you're using. They are only compatible with cookware compatible with the electromagnetic heating mechanism. This means that it must be made of ferrous or cast iron. Stainless steel and a few non-stick pans can work, but make sure you check the label or use a magnet along the base to ensure your cookware is compatible with induction.
Induction hobs are a popular option for shared student rooms or penthouses in iQ Student accommodation. They come with sleek LCD displays, and their contemporary design is a perfect fit for modern kitchens. Induction hobs are safer than gas stoves with traditional designs because they only heat when a pan is placed over them. They shut off automatically when the pan is removed.
Induction hobs can operate in the same way as an iPhone by a swipe gesture on the slider to set the desired temperature. There are also usually up and down arrows on the control panel, which allow you to adjust the power level, or dial for precise temperature control.
Some models come with dual flex-zones which lets you join two zones to create a larger space to cook larger pots. Some models have automatic shut-off and residual heat indicators, and a timer to inform you when food is ready. All induction hobs emit low-level magnetic fields with frequencies in kilohertz. This can affect medical equipment like pacemakers.