What is a Hob?
Hob is a regulated exocytosis-related protein. It has also been discovered to regulate insulin-producing cells in Drosophila. It is a component of the secretory apparatus and is essential for the proper function of secretory cells.
In the British kitchen, a hob is akin to cooking stove. Nigella often suggests leaving the pot on the stove. The word has similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs make use of magnetism rather than direct heat to heat pots and pans. On the cooktop's surface are coils through which an alternating electric current is pushed. When a ferromagnetic pot or pan is positioned over the cooktop this creates a magnetic field that generates electricity. This also means that the cooktop stays cool to the touch, which saves energy when compared to electric and gas models.
Another benefit is that induction hobs are more secure than gas hobs of the traditional variety, with no open flames to burn your fingers or cookware. These are perfect for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is paramount. This kind of hob is also easy to clean as the smooth ceramic cooktop surface isn't hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.
The downside to induction is that you require pans that work. You will need pans that have a flat, even thick base made from ferrous metal such as cast iron or steel. These pans must be induction-compatible and a good way to determine this is by running an iron rod across the base. If the magnet sticks then it's a suitable pan for your induction hob.
Other popular options include ceramic hobs that have a sleek finish and come in a variety of colors. They heat up quickly, but they tend to use more energy than induction stoves because they are able to heat the entire surface of the glass-ceramic. The smooth surface of the cooktop is easily cleaned with a soft cloth. Most lids are dishwasher safe.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds choose a high-end induction hob like this one from Hotpoint that comes with a TFT-like display that can show the cookware's position and a control menu that will let you change the settings for the power. It has four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil melt, boil and slow cook) and an increase function to get faster results. It comes with locks that can be locked to stop accidental button-pushing and comes with an indicator of residual heat and an auto shut-off feature in case you forget to turn off your stove.
Gas hobs
A gas stove uses propane or natural gas to heat its burners and oven and oven, which results in a quicker cooking speed and higher temperature control. This makes it ideal for cooking, frying, sauteing, and boiling, as well as other cooking methods. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to operate than electric ones, even though they aren't as efficient as electric hobs.
Gas hobs are also dependant of electricity. This means they can still function during power outages, though at a slower rate. It also has a lower chance of fire since the heat of the burners is confined to the pans that they come into contact with. To avoid fires, it's essential to keep all flammable items from the flames.
Modern gas hobs comprise of traditional burners and electrical components that control the flame's output, ignition and safety features. The majority of models use an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or an electrical pilot flame to light the burner. They also feature control knobs for adjusting the intensity of the flame and the output of heat. A lot of them come with a built-in timer that lets you set a specific cooking time.
Although the initial purchase cost of a gas hob is typically lower than a model with an induction motor the operating cost will be contingent on the local gas rates. Certain gas hobs can be used with liquefied petrol gas (LPG) which is which is a fuel that is typically cheaper than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more care than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate oily spills on the burner grates. You'll also need to clean the flat edged cooking surface regularly to avoid food residue accumulating. Luckily, certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by utilizing stainless steel or porcelain-coated cast iron hob grates that can be removed for cleaning. Their flat, rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly placed pot holders and utensils that could collect debris.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They make use of electric coils that generate heat under the cooking zone. A lot of models have residual heat indicators that let you know which areas were used recently and are too hot to clean or touch. This is especially useful in homes where children live. Certain models are also equipped with an overflow safety feature that detects when a pan is boiling and automatically shuts off the oven to stop spills.
Created to be sleek and stylish, induction hobs function by transferring an electric current through copper coils which create a magnetic field that heats the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them faster to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.
These cooktops are more expensive and require a professional installation. A lot of them come with a flat ceramic cooktops for a contemporary look and include a range of options, including child locks as well as timers, auto shut-off and built in sensors for food preparation.
A popular choice with customers, electric ceramic hobs offer the best of both worlds, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, which is resistant to burning, scratching and staining. These models are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen's design. Some come with pre-installed trims and panels for seamless appearance.
These models, like induction hobs, require regular maintenance. The burner caps and grates need to be removed and cleaned with warm water prior to reassembling. They are also prone to staining by liquid spills and are a bit slower than other hob types to heat up, however they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can transform any culinary endeavor into a musical symphony. We have a variety of hobs that will meet every budget and need.
The best hobs are stylish and durable, as well as easy to clean. They also offer a wide array of special features that allow you to cook like professional. Ceramic, induction, and gas are the most well-known choices.
Ceramic hobs employ heating elements that are electric and placed on a glass surface to transfer heat directly to your cookware making them energy efficient and easy to clean. They are quick to heat up and offer precise temperature control, which makes them suitable for all kinds of cookware. Certain models have residual heat indicators that warn you when your glass surface is still warm.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated when it is needed. They are more efficient in heating than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs and offer excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs are a more conventional option and are preferred by a lot of professional chefs. They heat up quickly and provide instant heat control. This makes them suitable for many cooking techniques. They are also affordable and can be used in most pans. They can be difficult to clean due to the fact that the grates and burners are susceptible to having crevices and nooks in which dirt can hide.
Solid plate hobs provide excellent heat distribution and are durable. They are great for everyday use. They are usually cheaper than gas or induction hobs and are great when you have limited space. They can be converted to make use of bottled LPG and are suitable for all kinds of pans. However, they will take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. Modern ovens come with child locks as well as a variety of safety features that ensure your safety.