Gas, Ceramic or Induction - Finding the Right Hob For You
Your hob is often seen as the centrepiece of your kitchen.
So If your redoing your kitchen or simply replacing your hob, it is important you get the perfect one for you.
Different Fuel Types
There are a variety of hobs to choose from with different fuel types as well as sizes. In this section we breakdown all these factors to make the buying process as easy for you as possible.
Gas Hobs
Gas Hobs bring a traditional element to your kitchen. Gas hobs benefit from being very robust and durable. Gas hobs also tend to have high power burners which means you can get foods to a boil rapidly and are equally responsive when turning the heat down meaning they are able to cool fairly quick.
However there are a few downsides.
Gas hobs require qualified gas engineers to install safely, this means that the installations are not cheap. Gas hobs also increase your exposure to NO2 and lead to higher indoor levels (above the WHO recommended guidelines).
To reduce this exposure it is advised to keep your kitchen well-ventilated AND using a high-extraction rate cooker hood which is vented out of the space.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have an electric fuel type, ceramic hobs tend to have less power than induction or gas and retain heat in the glass meaning it is harder to cool down boiling pans. However, ceramic hobs are more cost effective than gas or induction. This is because of their cheaper installation costs compared to gas hobs and compatibility with all pots and pans.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs also have an electric fuel type but rather than heat being generated from a burner, induction hobs generate heat directly in your pots and pans.
This is done through an electromagnetic coil inside the hob. When the hob is turned on and electricity passes through the copper coils, a magnetic field is created. When placing your cookware on the surface of the hob, the magnetic field generates heat through electrical resistance in the pot/pan base.
Induction hobs offer you quick heating as well as cooling down rapidly. This is because no heat is generated by the hob itself, instead heat is generated directly in the base of your pots/pans. This means the surface retains minimal heat. This makes the hob safer than ceramic or gas hobs.
Another benefit of induction hobs are the reduced exposure to NO2 in your home in comparison to gas hobs. While it is still recommended to use a cooker hood and keeping your kitchen space well-ventilated, induction hobs are better for your health in comparison to gas hobs.
The downsides of induction hobs are their high costs paired with limited compatibility with pots and pans. You need magnetic pots and pans for your induction hob to work optimally.
What To Consider
If you are replacing a gas hob, there is a chance that you may not have a hardwire connection available for a full-powered ceramic or induction hob, instead you may need to go for a 'Plug&Play' hob. While these hobs do not require an electrician to install, they have a lower power output. This means you can only use a maximum of 2 burners at once.
Hobs also come in a variety of sizes, it is best to replace your existing hob with the same branded hob. This is because a variance in size may require your worktop being trimmed or cut. If you have a stone work top this can be very costly as well as time consuming. Wooden worktops are easier to trim or cut but still require a carpenter to do.
If you are choosing to go for a hob that is larger than your current one, you will also need to consider the 'hot zone'. If you have cabinetry above your hob space you might not be able to go for a hob that is wider. For advice on purchasing a replacement for your hob call our experts on 02030519780.
Getting The Most For Your Money
Hobs can be quite expensive, so you want to get the best value for your money. Here we list a few maintenance tips to extend your hobs life.
Induction and Ceramic Hobs
Induction Hobs and Ceramic Hobs both have a glass surface. This means the maintenance advice for both are quite similar so we have grouped them together.
Cleaning - Regularly clean the surface of your hob with soft, damp cloths and a mild cleaner to avoid scratching the surface.
Protecting The Surface - When using your hob, avoid dragging pots and pans across the surface. Lift any pots and pans when you need to move them. This prevents scratching on the surface of the hob.
Usage - Use Boost functions only when you need them. This prevents your coils and electrical components from wearing out quickly. Also avoid leaving empty cookware on the hob for extended periods of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas Hobs are quite robust and often last longer in comparison to induction hobs and ceramic hobs. However, there are still a few tips to ensure they give you the most life as possible.
Cleaning - Gas hobs have removeable burner caps and pan supports/crates. These can be washed using warm soapy water. When cleaning the hob itself avoid using liquids near the gas jets because if water gets inside it could cause a blockage and prevent the burner from igniting.
Gas Jets and Ignition - Look for any blockages in your gas jets and igniters, over time food residue or grease can get stuck which prevents them from working to their fullest. DO NOT use water, use a dry cloth for your igniter and a small needle to clear your gas jets. Make sure your appliance is turned off and carefully clean your jet and igniter.
Knobs, Pan Supports and Burner Caps - Knobs, burner caps and pan supports are easily replaceable and are available from most manufacturers up to 10 years after purchase.
