A Guide to the Best Hobs in the UK

A hob is a cooker top that can be incorporated into an oven worktop. It is also separate from an oven. A cooker is a separate appliance that has a stove and an oven.

Hobs are playful, and sometimes malignant, creatures that reside in the countryside. They were often paired with Goblins to create the Hobgoblin.

Gas Hobs

In any modern kitchen, a good hob is essential. No matter if you prefer ceramic, gas or induction, there's an appliance to fit your style and budget. A high-quality hob will heat quickly and evenly and allow you to cook your food in a matter of minutes. It also adds an elegant look to your kitchen.

One of the main advantages of a gas cooker is its precise temperature control. It's quick to reach high heat levels which is ideal for boiling water, searing meat, and stirring-frying vegetables. Its ability to adjust the output of heat quickly is ideal for delicate sauces and dishes, which require a lower temperature setting.

Another benefit of a gas stove is its energy efficiency. Gas is more affordable than electricity and can be used to power the hob. It also uses direct flames for heating your cooking utensils. This means that there is less energy lost around the burner edges.

Modern gas hobs are designed with a sleek appearance to fit in with any kitchen decor. You can find models with a glossy black or stainless steel finish that will blend seamlessly into the decor and make your kitchen appear more contemporary. You can also choose models made of glass that is easy to clean and durable.

Gas hobs are a common option for modern kitchens due to of their versatility and user-friendly. They also work well with traditional kitchen designs, particularly when you include a range cooker into your kitchen layout. But, it is important to keep in mind that they could increase the risk of fire when compared with electric or induction hobs. This is because they lack the added safety features of being able to be turned off immediately and having child-safety locks on the control knobs.

When choosing a gas stove, consider the number of burners and cooking zones you require. There are models that have 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 or stir-frying. Check the type of ignition you are using. The majority of gas stoves use an electric spark or an ongoing electric pilot flame to ignite the burners.

Induction Hobs

While gas hobs remain popular with home cooks Induction cookers are gaining 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 more secure since there isn't a flame under. Induction hobs have a variety of features. Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts found that certain features can be very useful.

One of them is the bridge function which lets you join two hob rings in order to make room for larger pans. You can regulate the temperature for each ring on the touchscreen panel. This is a good option for those who love entertaining and could be a lifesaver when you have guests with different food preferences. It is worth noting though that induction hobs aren't suited for people who wear pacemakers since they generate electromagnetic fields which can disrupt their operation.

The British Heart Foundation recommends a minimum of 60cm distance between a power source and any active hob if you have a pacemaker fitted. The magnetic field created by the hob can also interact with other electrical devices and cause them to malfunction, so you'll want to make sure that the device isn't near an oven or a live cooking area.

Another induction hob available is this model from CDA with five hob zones and a variety of features, like melt and simmer, which is ideal for bain maries or slow cooked stews. The hob is designed with safety in the mind. It comes with child locks, anti-overflow and overheat settings.

The design of this induction stove is a bit more contemporary than the other models we have available. This is reflected by the sleek black surface that will blend well with most kitchen designs. It comes with a range of features including a pause function, which allows you to temporarily shut off the stove without removing your pan and a boost function which provides extra power to speed up the heating process. It is also rated energy efficient and the touch-screen display includes a variety of pre-set options for your favourite recipes.

LPG Hobs

Gas hobs provide a controlled heating instantly, and the capability to reach higher temperatures than electric cooktops. Gas hobs are a favorite in commercial and domestic kitchens. They can be used to heat leftovers or to create culinary masterpieces.

Our range of LPG hobs is available in a range of sizes, ranging from 60cm with 4 burners, to 90cm with either 5 or 6 burners. A lot of these hobs can also be converted to natural gas using an easy kit. This is why they are the ideal choice for homes with mains connections.

All of our gas hobs come from reputable brands like Falcon, Imperial, and Lincat. They are available in different finishes. From stainless steel to black glass, you're certain to find a model that will suit your home and match the other kitchen appliances.

There are many features to take into consideration when selecting gas hobs, including some models that feature automatic pan detection for greater security. This lets the cooking zones be activated only after the necessary cookware has been placed and prevents heat loss. Some hobs also have interchangeable cooking zones that can be used to accommodate various sizes of pans. Others offer child locks, keeping unintended fingers away from the controls, while some have an auto switch off tool that turns off the hob if it isn't used for a certain period of time.

LPG is also more accessible than electricity in rural areas, which is difficult to locate. The liquid form of LPG makes it easy to store and transport, making it an ideal for those who reside in remote areas or have catering businesses that aren't connected to mains-gas.

Gas hobs are available in a variety of models, some of which have boiling times as short as five minutes. This makes them ideal for cooking pasta, potatoes and other favourites in busy catering environments where time is crucial. Our hobs come with cast iron pan supports that are sturdy and feature the flame failure safety feature to ensure the flame is never extinguished.

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If you're cooking for your guests or family the right kitchen appliance can make a huge difference. Our kitchen experts will guide you through the four most popular models and help you choose the cooker hob that is most suitable for your cooking style and lifestyle.

Gas hobs offer excellent precision and control, and come in a range of different styles available that range from 4 to 6 burners. You can find models that can be converted to LPG which is a cheaper and safer fuel. Our range includes all major brands, with a wide range of finishes and colours to match your kitchen's style.

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 old-fashioned term that describes how we cooked at home in the past, with large fireplaces and shelves that were separate for pots. Today, most kitchens have an oven, as well as an additional hob (stove top) that is either gas or electric.

The British often refer to their stove as a hob, however other countries might use the term cooker. Hobs are an independent piece of equipment with heating rings for saucepans. A cooker is a larger appliance that includes a hob and an oven. A range cooker is an oven and a hob that are typically incorporated into one large unit. On the Product Safety Report links above, you can find out more information about gas stoves that are affected. This includes safety descriptions and product identifiers.