A Guide to the Best Hobs in the UK
A hob is an oven that is separate from cooker. A cooker is freestanding and comes with both a hob and an oven.
Hobs are mischievous, and sometimes malignant, creatures that reside in the countryside. They were often combined with Goblins to create the Hobgoblin.
Gas Hobs
A good hob is essential in modern kitchens. There's a hob to suit every budget and style whether you're looking for ceramic gas, induction, or ceramic. A quality hob will heat quickly and evenly to cook your food in a flash and adds an elegant appearance to your kitchen.
One of the major advantages of a gas hob is its precise temperature control. It is quick to reach temperatures that are high which makes it ideal for searing meat, boiling water and stir-frying veggies. The ability to adjust the temperature quickly makes it ideal for delicate dishes or sauces that require a lower temperature setting.
Gas hobs are also energy efficient. It makes use of natural gas, which is generally cheaper than electricity, making it more affordable to operate a hob. It also makes use of direct flames to heat your cooking utensils. This means there is less energy wasted around burner edges.
Modern gas hobs feature an elegant design that can be matched to any kitchen design. Models with a stainless steel or glossy black finish will blend seamlessly into your kitchen and make it appear more modern. Alternatively, you can choose a glass ceramic model that is easy to clean and is highly durable.
Gas hobs are a popular option for modern kitchens due to of their versatility and convenience. They also work well with traditional kitchen designs, particularly when you integrate the range cooker into your layout. It is important to be aware that they could increase the risk of fire when compared to electric or induction stoves. This is due to the fact that they don't have the added safety features like being able to shut off immediately and having child-safety locks on the knobs that control the hob.
When you are choosing a gas stove, you should be aware of the number of burners and cooking zones you need. There are models with one or two cooking zones. A majority of models feature a central wok, which is a powerful burner that can be used for rapid boiling and stir-frying. Find out the type of ignition used. Most gas hobs use an electric spark or a continuous electric pilot flame to light the burners.
Induction Hobs
While gas hobs remain a popular choice for home cooks Induction cookers are growing in popularity for their speed and efficiency. These flat glass-topped cookers employ magnetism to heat the contents of the pan rather than heating the surface which makes them more efficient and also safer as there is no flame underneath. Induction hobs come with various features, including some which our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have found to be extremely useful.
One of them is the bridge function that lets you join two hob rings to accommodate larger pans. You can also regulate the temperature of each ring independently via the touchscreen panel. This is a great option for those who like to entertain and can be a lifesaver when you have guests that have different dietary needs. Induction hobs could be hazardous for people with pacemakers because they create electromagnetic fields that can disrupt the operation of their devices.
The British Heart Foundation recommends a minimum of 60cm separation between a power source and any active hob, if you are wearing a pacemaker. The magnetic field created by the hob can cause some electrical devices to malfunction. Make sure the device is not within reach of hot cooking or cooking zones.
Another induction hob available is this model from CDA, which has five hob zones as well as many features, like melt and simmer which can be ideal for bain maries and slow cooked stews. This hb has also been made with security in mind, which is why it has child locks as well as overheat and anti-overflow settings to protect against damage or accidents.
The design of this induction cooker is a little more modern than the other models we have available. This is evident in the sleek black surface which is compatible with a variety of kitchen designs. It comes with a variety of features that include the ability to pause that lets you temporarily shut off the oven without having to remove the pan, and a boost function which provides extra power to ensure quick heating up. It's also rated as energy efficient, and its touch-screen panel includes a variety of pre-set options for your favourite recipes.
LPG Hobs
Gas hobs can be controlled to heating instantly, and the capability of reaching higher temperatures than electric cooktops. With options that can be used in professional and domestic kitchens, they're a preferred option for those looking to make culinary masterpieces from scratch or simply heat leftovers.
Our range of LPG gas hobs include an array of widths from 60cm comprising four burners, up to 90cm which comprises 5 or 6 burners. Many of these hobs are also compatible with natural gas with a simple conversion kit making them the ideal solution for homes with existing mains connections.
All our gas hobs are made by brands you trust including Falcon, Imperial and Lincat with models available in a variety of finishes. You can find models with stainless steel, black glass and other finishes to match your home.
There are plenty of features to consider when choosing gas hobs, with some models that offer automatic pan detection for added safety. They allow the cooking zones to only be activated when the cookware needed is in place, thus preventing the heat from being wasted. Some hobs also have combinable cooking zones to accommodate a variety of pan sizes. Some offer child locks that keep unintentional fingers from the controls. some come with an auto switch off device that turns off the cooker when it's not used for a specified duration of time.
LPG is also more accessible than electricity in rural areas, where electricity can be difficult to find. Its liquid form makes it easy to store and transport, making it an perfect for those who reside in remote areas or have catering businesses that don't have access to gas mains.
Our selection of gas stoves offers a range of options, with a few of our models boasting fast boiling times for water of less than five minutes. They are ideal for preparing pastas, potatoes and other favourites when time is of the essence. A majority of our hobs come equipped with flat cast iron pan supports for durability and a flame failure safety device that guarantees the flame will never go out.
Contact Us
If you're cooking for family or guests the right kitchen appliance can make all the difference. Our kitchen experts will walk you through the four most popular kinds and help you choose the cooker hob which is most suitable for your cooking style and lifestyle.
Gas hobs offer excellent precision and control, with a variety of styles available with 4 to 6 burners. Home Page can find models that can be converted to LPG, which is a more affordable and more secure fuel. Our range includes all major brands in a variety of finishes and colours that will match the style of your kitchen.
The word hob is an old English term that originally meant the term 'a grate or shelf that is placed by a flame'. It's an archaic word that describes how we cooked at home years ago, with massive fireplaces as well as shelves on which pots were set to cook. Today, kitchens are equipped with ovens and an additional stove top (hob) that can be either gas or electric.
Other countries may refer to the stove as a cooker, however the British call it hob. Hobs are a separate piece of equipment that has heating rings to heat saucepans, while a cooker is a more substantial freestanding unit that includes oven and hob. A range cooker is a combination of a hob and oven, usually built into an worktop. On the Product Safety Report links above you will find out more information about gas stoves that are impacted. This includes safety descriptions and the product identifiers.