Leave a Pot on the Hob The recipe of Nigella often recommends that you leave a pan on the hob however what exactly does this actually mean? Hob is the British word for a cooktop or stove top and could be gas or electric. Dual fuel cookers have both gas hobs as well as an electric oven that gives you the best of both worlds. They are quick to heat, but can be more expensive to operate than single fuel models. Hobs made of solid plate Solid plate hobs have been an integral part of many homes for years. Their basic design is made up of flat metal plates that are heated with electricity, making them a cost-effective choice for those on a budget. However, their modest initial cost can lead to higher electricity bills over time because of their inefficient energy usage. These hobs require a lot of heat that remains and take longer to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are an alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is more expensive initially however it will be much more affordable in the long term. These hobs come in many different styles including flat and curvy. 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, because they utilize electromagnetic fields to cookware directly. This means that the hob surface stays cool, reducing the chance of accidental burns and making it safer for small children to touch. Additionally, induction hobs are the quickest of all kinds to warm up and cool down. When deciding which type of hob to purchase it is essential to take into consideration your cooking habits and energy requirements. Solid plate hobs are affordable to purchase but inefficient as gas and ceramic hobs are more expensive but more efficient. Induction hobs offer an alternative, combining efficiency with a fashionable design. Gas hobs The best gas hobs are simple to use, have a sleek and attractive appearance and are constructed from sturdy materials. They should come with a long-lasting warranty and be easy to clean. They should also be compatible with a variety of cookware, and offer instant heat control. Gas hobs operate by connecting each burner to a gas supply, which then ignites the fuel and creates an flame. The flame is heated by the air and the pan and allows for precise temperature control. Some models feature a visual flame indicator, making it easy to know when the burners are on or off. Other features on gas hobs include multiple burners in various sizes, an automatic ignition system and a removable drip tray. Modern gas hobs can be purchased with stainless steel or ceramic top. Some even have an elegant black finish. There are vented and open-burner hobs according to the design of your kitchen. Hobs vented have an integrated extractor that draws steam and smoke from cooking pans and releases the heat outside, whereas open-burner gas stoves don't. Open-burner stoves have traditional appearance with metal knobs, grates, and handles, while vented stoves are sleeker with a glass-like surface. Some models also come with pan supports that are wider, which is a boon for larger pans and pots. Despite the increasing popularity of electric hobs such as induction and ceramic, there is still an enormous user base for gas hobs. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and the popularity of gas cooking. However, several government regulations are promoting the phase out of appliances that use fossil fuels in favour of energy-efficient alternatives. Gas-powered hobs all require electrical components in order to function. It is therefore important to have them installed by a licensed electrician and carpenter who will make sure that the installation is secure and meets industry standards. Your electrician will have to run a power cable as well as a gas line to your kitchen when you are installing a gas hob for the first time. In most instances, this is a simple task and doesn't affect your existing electrical or plumbing connections. Ceramic hobs Along with a stylish, attractive and sleek look ceramic hobs are easy to clean and more energy efficient than gas hobs. They operate by utilizing high-powered heating elements beneath the surface of each zone. These then transmit the heat from the glass to the pan above. This reduces energy waste as it only consumes the power required to heat the pan directly and not the air around it. They're also easy to regulate and react quickly to temperature changes. Ceramic hobs feature a flat ceramic surface that is easy to clean. Spills and splatters are easily removed with a damp sponge when they cool. It's important to remember that they're not suited to an extremely hot or steamy kitchen conditions as the glass may break and discolor if it becomes too warm. Some people may be a bit sceptical about the fact that ceramic hobs generate some heat underneath the surface however, this isn't a problem to most. In fact, most models are designed with integrated cooling fans to help regulate this heat and keep it from impacting your kitchen or workspace. They're also constructed with insulation and are designed to reduce heat transfer between your hob and your kitchen. Ceramic hobs are also more flexible than induction hobs, which need certain kinds of magnetically conductive cookware. However, it is recommended to avoid using any cookware made from cast iron on a ceramic stove, since it can scratch the surface. A lot of ceramic hobs come with safety features, such as residual heat indicators as well as a lockout function to prevent accidents from happening within the home. Some have even 'overflow safety that can sense when a pot is boiling over and automatically cut off the power source to the area to reduce the risk of damage and mess. It's equally important to make sure that the ceramic hob is properly installed and is equipped with the correct breakers and cables. It's best to leave this to a certified electrical engineer so that you can be certain that your ceramic cooker is safe and reliable. Induction hobs Induction hobs, as their name implies, have coils underneath the surface that produce magnetic fields. These fields generate heat inside the pan or any metal item placed on the hob. They require less power than other types of electric hobs due to the fact that they remain cool until a pan is placed set on them, and they are more efficient at heating up a pan since the heat generated is generated from the bottom of the pan rather than the entire cooktop surface. Like gas hobs, models with induction have an control panel on which you can choose your settings and check the power you're using. However unlike a traditional gas hob they can only be used with cookware that is compatible with their heating mechanism using electromagnetic energy that means it must have an even, flat, thick base made of ferrous metal (iron) or cast iron. Stainless steel and some non-stick pans also work, but you must always verify the label or run a magnet across the base to make sure your cookware is compatible with induction. A popular choice in shared student halls and penthouses of iQ Student Accommodation, induction hobs have sleek LCD displays and modern aesthetics that seamlessly integrate into modern kitchens. Induction hobs are less dangerous than gas stoves that are traditional because they only heat when a pan is placed over them. They shut off automatically once the pan is removed. Induction hobs operate like the controls on an iPhone. A swipe gesture on the slider will adjust your preferred heat level. There are also usually up and down arrows on the control panel that permit you to adjust the power level, or dial for precise temperature control. In addition to nine power levels, some models come with dual flex zones that allows you to join two zones to create a larger cooking space for larger pots. Certain models feature an automatic shut-off as well as a residual heat indication. Other models also have a timer that will alert you when food is ready. All induction hobs emit low-level magnetic fields with frequencies in kilohertz, which can cause damage to medical equipment such as pacemakers.
hobs
