What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein that is involved in regulating exocytosis. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a part of the secretory system, and is essential 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 the pot on the stove. The word has similar meaning in North America.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs heat pans and pots by magnetism, not direct heating. On the cooktop's surface are coils through which an alternating electric current is run. When a ferrromagnetic pot or pan is placed on the cooktop this creates a magnetic field which produces electricity. The cooktop is also cool to the touch and saves energy in comparison to gas or electric models.
Induction hobs have another advantage: they are safer than gas hobs that are traditional. There is no open flame that could harm your hands or cookware. These are perfect for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats where safety is a priority. The smooth glass-ceramic finish of this kind of hob does not get hot, and is easy to clean using a damp rag.
Induction requires specific pans. You'll require pans with a flat or even thick base made of ferrous metals like cast iron or steel. They must be compatible with induction and a great way to check is by running an iron rod across the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's appropriate for your induction hob.
Other popular options include ceramic hobs, which come with a a sleek finish and come in a range of colours. They heat up quickly however, they typically use more energy than induction stoves since they make use of the entire surface of glass-ceramic. They are easy to clean as well, since the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned using a cloth, and the majority of them come with dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking to get the most efficient of both, go for an induction stove with a TFT screen which shows the location of your cookware, as well as a control panel to adjust the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil, melt and slow cook) as well as a boost function to give you faster results. It also has lockable controls to prevent accidental button pushing and comes with an indicator for residual heat and auto switch-off if you forget to turn off your hob.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs utilize natural gas or propane to heat their burners and oven. This allows for a quicker cooking time and better control of temperature. This makes it perfect for cooking, frying, sauteing, and boiling, as well as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally more affordable to operate than electric hobs, despite the fact that they may not be as efficient as electric hobs.
As a bonus, a gas hob's heat source is independent of electricity, which means it can still function in the event of power interruptions, though at a lower speed. It also has a lower risk of fire since the burners' heat is restricted to the pans they're in contact with. To prevent fires, it's important to keep any flammable objects away from the flames.
A modern gas hob is a blend of traditional gas burners and some electrical components that control the burner's ignition and flame output as well as safety features. The majority of models utilize an electric ignition system which emits either an electric spark or pilot flame to ignite the burner. The control knobs allow you to adjust the intensity of the flame as well as the output of heat. Some also have a timer that lets you to set an exact cooking duration.
Gas hobs are generally cheaper to purchase upfront than induction models, but the cost of operating them will be based on local gas prices. Certain gas hobs can be used with LPG, which is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which can be less expensive than natural gas.
Gas hobs require more care than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to accumulate greasy spills on the burner grates. It is also necessary to clean the flat and rimless cooking surface regularly to avoid food residue accumulating. Certain brands, such as FUJIOH have made cleaning easier by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. In addition, their flat rimless design eliminates the necessity of awkwardly placed utensils and pot holders that can gather debris and increase the risk of spills.
Electric hobs
Utilizing electric coils to create heat under the cooking zone electric hobs are fast to heat and simple to clean after use. A lot of models have residual heat indicators that let you know what zones were used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This is particularly useful for homes with children. Certain models also have overflow protection, which detects when the pan is boiling and shuts off the stove to prevent spills.
Created to be sleek and stylish, induction hobs operate by transferring an electric current through copper coils which create a magnetic 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.
However, these kinds of hobs can be more expensive than traditional gas models and should be installed by professionals. Some come with an elongated glass ceramic cooktops, giving them a modern appearance. They also have many features like timers, child locks, auto shutoff and built-in sensors for food.
A popular choice for consumers electric ceramic hobs give the best of both worlds by providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to burns, scratches and staining. These models are also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen design and many are pre-installed with trims and panels to give seamless appearance.
Similar to induction hobs these models require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates having to be cleaned frequently and soaked in warm water to clean before re-assembling. They also are susceptible to staining due to spills of liquid and are a little slower than other hob types to heat up, although they have a high energy efficiency.
The best hobs
Hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can transform any cooking endeavor into a musical symphony. If you're planning to build your cooking arsenal anew or just looking for an upgrade, we have various hob styles to meet your needs and budget.
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 a pro. Ceramic induction, gas, and ceramic are the most popular options.

hob and oven are energy-efficient and easy to clean because they utilize electric heating elements beneath glass surfaces. They are quick to heat up and offer precise temperature control, making them suitable for any type of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that inform you when the glass surface is still hot.
Induction hobs create a magnetic field that allows heat to be generated when it is required. They heat up quicker than traditional sealed plate or gas hobs, and also offer excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs are a more conventional option that is preferred by professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and offer instant heat control. This makes them ideal for a variety of cooking methods. They are also economical to run and can be used with most pans. They can be difficult to clean because the grates and burners are prone to having crevices and nooks in which dirt can get.
Solid plate hobs are strong and durable, providing the best heat distribution for everyday use. They are generally cheaper than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you have limited space. Some are able to be converted for use with the bottled LPG and are suitable for most types of pans. They take longer to heat and cool down and are not suitable for simmering. Modern stoves come with child locks and a range of safety features that give you peace of mind.