What is a Hob?
Hob is a protein which is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. It is also known to regulate the production of insulin by cells in Drosophila. It is a component of the secretory apparatus, and is essential for professional secretory cell function.
In the British kitchen a hob is akin to a cooktop. Nigella frequently suggests leaving a pot "on the hob." The word is used in the same way in North America.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs use magnetism instead of direct heat to heat pots and pans. Underneath the cooktop surface sit coils through which an alternating electrical current runs through, and when a ferromagnetic pan is placed on the top of the cooktop it creates a magnetic field, which produces electricity to heat the pan. This also means that the cooktop remains cool to the touch, which saves energy when compared to gas and electric models.
Induction hobs have another advantage: they are safer than traditional gas hobs. There is no open flame that can harm your hands or cookware. They are ideal for student residences or iQ Student accommodation flats, where safety is a priority. This kind of hob is also easy to clean since the smooth ceramic cooktop surface isn't hot and will wipe away easily with a damp cloth.
Induction requires special pans. It is necessary to have a thick, flat base made of ferrous metals like cast iron and steel. The pans you choose to use must be induction-compatible and a great way to test this is to run a magnet across the base. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it's suitable for your induction cooker.
Other popular choices include ceramic hobs, which come with a an elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They heat quickly, but they tend to use more energy than induction stoves because they heat the entire surface of the glass-ceramic. They are easy to keep clean too, as the cooktop's smooth surface can be cleaned with a cloth and most of them have dishwasher safe lids for added convenience.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds then choose an induction cooktop equipped with a TFT monitor that shows the position of your cookware, and an adjustable control panel that can adjust the power settings. It comes with four automatic cooking modes that you can choose from (boil melt, slow and boil cook) as well as a boost function for extra-quick results. It has locks that can be locked to prevent accidental button pressing. It also has an indicator of residual temperature and an auto-shutdown option if you lose your hob.
Gas hobs
A gas hob makes use of natural gas or propane to heat its oven and burners and oven, which results in a quicker cooking speed and greater temperature control. This makes it ideal for frying, boiling and sauteing, as well as other cooking techniques. Gas hobs are generally cheaper to operate than electric ones, even though they might not be as efficient as electric hobs.
Additionally, a gas hob's heat source is not dependent on electricity, meaning it will continue to function even during power outages, albeit at a lower level. The heat produced by the burners is also restricted to the pans that they are in contact with, which reduces the fire risk. However, it's important to keep any flammable items away from the stove and follow safe cooking practices to prevent accidental fires.
A modern gas hob is made up of traditional gas burners as well as certain electrical components that regulate the burner's ignition and flame output as well as safety features. ovensandhobs of models use an electric ignition system that either emits an electric spark or a pilot flame to light the burner. They also feature control knobs that allow you to alter the intensity of the flame and the output of heat. A lot of them have built-in timers, which allows you to determine a specific cooking time.
Gas hobs are typically less expensive to purchase in the beginning than induction models, but the cost of running them will depend on the gas prices in your area. Some gas hobs are compatible with LPG, which is a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which is less expensive than natural gas.
Another drawback of a gas hob is that it requires more care than electric ones. Gas hobs are more likely to collect grease-laden spills that get deposited on the burner grates. Also, you'll need to clean the flat and rimless cooking surface regularly to avoid food residue accumulating. Certain brands, like FUJIOH have made cleaning simpler by using cast iron or stainless steel hob grates. Additionally, their flat rimless design eliminates the need for awkwardly placed utensils and pot holders that can gather debris and increase the chance of spills.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs heat up quickly and are easy to clean. They make use of electric coils that produce heat under the cooking zone. Many models also have residual heat indicators to let you know which zones have been used recently and are too hot to touch or clean. This is especially useful in homes with children. Certain models are also equipped with overflow protection which detects when a pot is boiling and then automatically shuts off the oven to stop spills from happening.
The idea behind them is to make them sleek and stylish, induction hobs operate by passing an electric current through copper coils which create magnetic fields that heat the bottom of induction compatible cookware. This makes them more efficient to boil than gas hobs, and they offer precise temperature control with a cool-to touch surface and energy efficiency.
These are more expensive and require a professional installation. Some have an elongated glass ceramic cooktop to give them a modern appearance. They also offer various features, including timers and child locks, as well as auto shutoff, and built-in sensors for food.
Electric ceramic hobs are popular among users. They provide an easy-to-clean, smooth surface and are also resistant to burns, stains, and scratches. They are also available in a range of colors to match your kitchen design and many are pre-installed with trims and panels for an uni-directional finish.
Similar to induction hobs these models require regular maintenance with the burner caps and grates needing to be cleaned regularly and soaked in warm water for cleaning before re-assembling. They also have a tendency to staining from liquid spillages and are a little slower than other hobs to heat up, but they have a high energy efficiency.
The most delicious hobs
Hobs are a vital kitchen appliance that can turn any culinary endeavor into a musical symphony. If you're looking to create your cooking tools in a new way or simply seeking an upgrade, we offer various hob styles to suit your needs and budget.
The best hobs are stylish durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. They also come with a variety of specialist features that let you cook like a pro. Ceramic, induction, and gas are the most sought-after choices.
Ceramic hobs are energy efficient and easy to clean because they employ electric heating elements beneath glass surfaces. They heat up quickly and regulate the temperature precisely which makes them ideal for all kinds of cookware. Some models have residual heat indicators that inform you if the glass surface is still hot.
Induction hobs operate by creating an electric field between the element and the pan which allows heat to be generated only where it is required. They are more efficient in heating than traditional gas or sealed plate hobs, and also offer excellent energy efficiency.
Gas hobs are the more traditional option and are preferred by professional chefs. They are quick to heat up and provide instant heat control, which makes them suitable for a range of cooking methods. They are also economical to run and work with most pans. However, they are more difficult to clean as the burners and grates contain nooks and crevices where dirt can hide.
Solid plate hobs have a good heat distribution and are durable. They are perfect for use in everyday life. They tend to be less expensive than induction or gas hobs, and are ideal if you are limited in space. Some are able to be converted to use bottled LPG and can be used with all types of pans. However, they will take a little longer to warm up and cool down, and they aren't recommended for simmering. A lot of modern hobs are equipped with child locks and a range of safety features that are enhanced for extra security.