Your choice of hob will have a big impact on the way you use your kitchen – and how much you enjoy cooking. A crucial component of any kitchen, a hob is one of the appliances you’ll use most often, especially if you’re an avid cook. Not only that, but they typically act as a focal point in most kitchen layouts, so style is important too. Your new hob doesn’t just have to perform, it has to look the part and complement your oven, extractor hood and any other appliances you have.
From ease of maintenance to power, price tag and energy efficiency, there’s a whole lot to consider when you’re shopping for a hob. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of different options available to you, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we’re going to run through each of the key areas to consider when choosing a hob. Then, we’ll offer suggestions based on your priorities and preferences, helping you narrow down your list of options and find the hob that suits you best.
The main types of hob
To kick things off, let’s take a look at the main types of hob you’ll be choosing between. What are their standout attributes, their strengths and weaknesses? Find out below.
- Gas Hobs are a tried and tested choice, favoured by chefs (and aspiring chefs) the world over. Why? They heat up immediately and are easy to control, allowing you to cook even the most unforgiving of recipes with precision. If you’re serious about cooking, you’ll love the level of control gas hobs offer – but they’re not the easiest to keep clean, or the safest. Avid cooks might want to look out for five burner hobs, which make cooking for the whole family that much easier.
- Ceramic Hobs certainly look the part. Sleek, streamlined and oh-so-modern, they’re easy to clean and perfect for those craving a clean, minimalist look. Powered by electricity, ceramic hobs aren’t as cheap to run as gas hobs, and don’t heat up as quickly.
- Induction Hobs are the undisputed king when it comes to safety, because they only function when a magnetic pan is placed over one of the cooking zones. A magnetic field between the hob and the pan is used to generate heat, meaning only the pan itself heats up – not the entire hob. This makes them energy efficient and extremely safe, but does restrict your choice of cookware.
- Solid Plate Hobs, otherwise known as sealed plate hobs, are great for those on a tight budget. They work in much the same way as a ceramic hob, using electricity to heat up ‘plates’ which, in turn, heats the pan and cooks your food. Sure, they’re not the sleekest or most precise option on the market, but they’re cheap to buy and simple to use. You can even get solid plate domino hobs with just two burners – ideal for compact kitchens.
Finding the hob that’s right for you
Now you know which styles of hob are available and how they work, let’s start delving into the main factors to consider when shopping for one.
Purchase cost
Your budget will help narrow down your list of options right away. If you’re on a tight budget, solid plate hobs are hard to match – particularly in two-burner form. You’ll even be able to find four-burner solid plate hobs for less than £100.
Winner: Solid Plate
Running costs
On the topic of finances, there’s more to consider than just the purchase price. How expensive will your new hob be to run? Although induction hobs are the most expensive to buy, they’re typically the cheapest to run, because no very little energy is wasted – all of the heat transfers directly into the pan.
Winner: Induction
Safety
As we touched on earlier, induction hobs are by far and away the safest. Because only the pan is heated, the hob surface remains cool to the touch for the most part, reducing the risk of burns occurring.
Winner: Induction
Precision
If you’re a foodie, you’ll understand why precision matters. When you’re cooking more delicate and sensitive ingredients, slightly too much heat can be enough to ruin their taste and texture, ultimately affecting your enjoyment of the entire dish. If you’re serious about creating spellbinding and memorable meals, precise control is crucial – and gas hobs win out here.
Winner: Gas
Cooking power
When it comes to power and speed, gas remains the number one choice. A gas hob can generate intense heat almost immediately, something that no other style of hob can match. Induction hobs get closest, but still can’t quite compare to the power of gas.
Winner: Gas
Cleaning
Here’s where gas hobs begin to fall down. Although they deliver superior control and cooking power, they’re a pain to keep clean. If you want an easy life, choose a wipe clean ceramic or induction hob. Or, even better, seek out a downdraft extractor hob to further reduce the need to clean and deodorise your kitchen.
Winner: Ceramic or Induction
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are entirely subjective, so we can’t pick a winner here – which is best will depend entirely on your personal preferences. Ceramic and induction hobs are best for those who prefer a more minimalist, clean look, while gas hobs are ideal for more traditional, timeless kitchen designs.
Winner: You choose!
Order your hob online today at Cookology
There you have it, our complete guide to choosing a hob. Now you’re done reading, why not check out our range of hobs? From solid plate domino hobs to five burner gas hobs and ultra-modern ceramic and induction models, we offer something for everyone. Discover our complete range and order yours online today.
