Hob Buying Guide

Gas Hobs

 Gas hobs are kitchen appliances that use natural gas or LPG to produce flames for cooking. They have multiple burners with control knobs for precise heat adjustment. Features include automatic ignition, compatibility with various cookware, quick responsiveness to temperature changes, energy efficiency, and easy cleaning. Gas hobs require proper ventilation and are available in different designs and surface materials.

Electric Hobs

 Electric hobs are kitchen appliances that use electricity to generate heat for cooking. They typically feature electric heating elements instead of flames. Electric hobs also have multiple burners with control knobs for temperature adjustment. They may come with various designs, including built-in and freestanding models, and different surface materials like ceramic or glass. Electric hobs are known for easy cleaning, and some models offer advanced features such as touch controls and induction technology. They do not require a gas supply but rely on an electrical connection.

Induction Hobs

An induction hob is a kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic induction to heat cookware directly. It offers precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and safety features. Induction hobs heat up quickly, respond promptly to changes, and remain cool to the touch. They require compatible ferrous cookware, are easy to clean, and often feature a modern design with touch controls.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob is a kitchen appliance that uses natural gas or LPG to produce open flames for cooking. It typically has multiple burners with control knobs for adjusting heat. Gas hobs provide quick and precise temperature control, are compatible with various cookware materials, and offer immediate responsiveness to temperature changes. They are energy-efficient, easy to clean, and available in different designs.

Ceramic Hobs

 A ceramic hob is an electric kitchen appliance featuring a smooth ceramic glass surface with electric heating elements beneath. It offers even heat distribution, quick heating, and touch controls for temperature adjustment. The flat surface is easy to clean, and safety features may include residual heat indicators. Ceramic hobs are compatible with various cookware materials, do not have an open flame, and require electricity for operation.

Solid Plate Hobs

A solid plate hob is an electric cooktop featuring heating elements beneath a solid metal plate. It offers even heat distribution, temperature control through rotary knobs, and compatibility with various cookware. The sturdy and durable construction makes it a reliable and affordable choice. While not as easy to clean as some alternatives, solid plate hobs provide a straightforward and budget-friendly solution for electric cooking without an open flame.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are compact and modular cooktops, available in both electric and gas versions. They are designed for smaller spaces and offer individual controls for each unit, allowing for a customized cooking setup. The modular configuration enables users to combine multiple domino hobs with other appliances for versatility. They are easy to clean, space-efficient, and often feature a stylish design.

Mixed Fuel Hobs

A mixed fuel hob, or dual-fuel hob, combines gas burners with electric elements or induction zones in a single cooktop. This provides users with the versatility to choose between gas and electric cooking methods, offering the benefits of quick and precise heat control from gas and the even heat distribution of electric options. Mixed fuel hobs typically have individual controls for each type of cooking element, contributing to energy efficiency and a stylish design.

Venting Hobs

 Venting hobs integrate cooking surfaces with built-in ventilation systems, eliminating cooking odors and smoke directly from the source. They are available in downdraft or integrated designs, offering space efficiency by eliminating the need for a separate hood. These hobs efficiently extract byproducts, providing a cleaner kitchen environment. They often feature variable fan speeds, filter systems, and modern designs.

Hob & Oven Packs

Separate units in kitchen appliances refer to standalone hob (cooktop) and oven configurations, installed independently of each other. This approach provides flexibility in configuring the kitchen layout, customization options, and ease of replacement for malfunctioning units. Users can mix and match different types of hobs and ovens based on their preferences.

Number Of Cooking Zones

Cooking zones in hobs refer to the individual areas on the hob's surface where heat is generated for cooking. The number of cooking zones varies, with smaller hobs having two or four zones, standard-sized hobs featuring four, and larger or professional-grade hobs offering five, six, or more zones. Dual or variable zones allow users to adjust the size of the cooking area, providing flexibility. Some hobs also include specialized zones for specific cooking needs. Understanding the number and features of cooking zones is essential for choosing a hob that suits the cooking requirements and available kitchen space. Shop a variety of zones below :

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a widely used material in hobs for its durability, corrosion resistance, and sleek appearance. Known for its easy cleaning and heat resistance, stainless steel provides a modern and professional look to the kitchen. It is compatible with various cookware materials, and its robust construction makes it a popular choice for both residential and professional kitchens. While it may show fingerprints and scratches, its overall benefits include longevity, resistance to stains, and the ability to maintain a timeless aesthetic in kitchen design.

Glass

Glass is a popular material for hobs due to its contemporary aesthetic, smooth surface, and variety of designs. Glass hobs provide uniform heat distribution, have touch controls for a streamlined appearance, and are compatible with various cookware materials. They are heat-resistant, easy to clean, and allow for easy monitoring of the cooking process. While relatively lightweight, glass hobs are associated with a high-end appearance and contribute to a sleek and modern kitchen design. Care should be taken to avoid breakage, and regular cleaning is necessary to maintain a polished look.

Ceramic

Ceramic is a popular material for hobs (cooktops) known for its sleek design and functional features. Ceramic hobs have a smooth surface that is easy to clean, and they come in various designs, often in black or white. They use electric heating elements for quick and uniform heat distribution, with touch controls adding to their modern design. Compatible with different cookware materials, ceramic hobs offer a high-end appearance and are resistant to scratches, although care is needed.

Energy Efficiency in Venting Hobs

How to measure for a new Hob

 To measure for your new hob, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Check the width of the hob.
2. Measure the width of the space where you plan to position the hob, checking that there will be at least 6cm of room to spare on either side.
3. Measure the width of your kitchen extractor fan – this will need to be at least as wide as the hob to provide enough ventilation.
4. Check the depth of the hob.
5. Measure the depth of your kitchen worktop where you plan to position the hob, ensuring that there’s enough space to fit it in with room to spare at the front and back.
6. Check the height of the hob.
7. Ensure that there will be around 75cm between the hot zone of the hob and your cooker hood. The distance should not be much more or less than 75cm for safety purposes and to allow for the right amount of ventilation.
8. If you have an oven underneath, check that there will be at least 15mm of space between the top of your oven and the hob to allow air to move through the cavity.

Residual Heat Indicators

Residual heat indicators in hobs are safety features that visually inform users about the remaining heat on the cooking surface after a cooking zone has been turned off. These indicators use symbols or lights on the hob's control panel to gradually display the temperature status, helping users identify hot zones and exercise caution. Residual heat indicators contribute to safety by preventing accidental burns, especially on surfaces like ceramic and induction hobs where heat is not immediately visible.

Flame Failure Safety

Touch Controls

Boost Function

Hob2Hood Feature

WIFI Conectivity

WiFi connectivity in hobs enables smart features, allowing users to control and monitor the appliance remotely through a mobile app. This technology facilitates remote adjustments, programming, and scheduling of cooking times. WiFi-connected hobs may integrate with recipe databases, offer energy monitoring, and support voice control through assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.