There’s a whole lot to consider when you’re shopping for a hob. From its design and configuration to efficiency, ease of use, running costs and aesthetics, there are plenty of different factors to weigh up – and that’s before you’ve even considered which brand of hob to go for.
Fortunately for you, help is at hand. In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to tell you all you need to know about the pros and cons of each hob type. We’ll be exploring gas and electric in the form of induction, ceramic and hot plate hobs, learning what sets them apart and helping you discover which style is right for you.
We’ll even be answering a few frequently asked questions: ever wondered what happens if you use the wrong pans on an induction hob? Get the answer to that and more of your burning questions right here.
What are the main types of hob?
When you’re shopping for a hob, you’ll typically encounter four main types: gas, induction, ceramic and hot plate. All four of these designs have their pros and cons. Many prefer the old-school simplicity and ruggedness of a gas hob, for instance, while others love the minimalist look and safety of an induction hob.
But before we dive into all those pros and cons, there is actually a fourth type of hob you may not have considered: induction downdraft hobs. Blending the benefits of an induction hob with an inbuilt central extractor and exhaust system, this innovative design continues to increase in popularity. We’ll be exploring the reasons why below.
The positives and negatives of each hob type
Gas hobs
A tried and tested choice that most of us will already be familiar with, gas hobs may not be high-tech, but they remain the most popular option.
Part of the allure of a gas hob is its simplicity. Once it’s connected to your gas supply, turning the hob on creates a spark, igniting the gas in a flash and producing an even, consistent flame. You won’t have to wait for the hob to heat up: once it’s on, you can get cooking immediately.
Pros:
- Even, consistent, direct heat every time
- Simple and reliable
- Affordable to buy and run
- A timeless design that suits both modern and traditional kitchens
Cons:
- Gas hobs are inherently less safe than other designs, as they use a naked flame to generate heat
- They are trickier to keep clean, as the pan support will need to be removed every so often to prevent the build-up of spills and debris
Induction hobs
Induction hobs are favoured by many for their ease of use and safety. The very first induction hobs made their debut in the ‘70s, but their popularity continues to grow with each passing year.
Why? Well, instead of using a naked flame to generate heat, induction hobs work by generating an electric current, which is passed through a coil to create a magnetic field between the hob and the pan. This passes heat directly into the pan which, in turn, cooks your food. This makes them extremely safe, because only your pan will heat up: the hob itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs will only work if you use pans with a magnetic base. If you place the wrong type of pan on an induction hob, no heat will be generated – even if the hob is on.
Pros:
- Because heat is transferred directly into the pot or pan, no energy is wasted heating up the surrounding area. This makes them much more energy efficient and less expensive to run
- Extremely safe, as they don’t use a naked flame and only generate heat through magnetic objects
- Very easy to clean
- They look and feel thoroughly modern
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than ceramic and gas hobs
- You may need to invest in new cookware if your current pots and pans don’t have magnetic bases
Ceramic hobs
The difference between induction and ceramic hobs is simple: instead of using a magnetic field to heat your pan, ceramic hobs use electric heating elements located beneath a convenient, wipe-clean glass top.
Pros:
- Easy to clean, just like an induction hob…
- …but significantly more affordable
- Attractive to look at and no new pans required
- Convenient and low-maintenance
Cons:
- Less efficient than an induction hob, as more energy is wasted heating the glass top as well as the pan itself
- Much slower to heat up and cool down than a gas or induction hob
- Will get extremely hot
Hot Plate Hobs
Tried and tested for decades, these hobs are simple to use and are robust enough to withstand spills and knocks. They’re ideal for use in temporary accommodation, as there is little complexity and the heat is transferred to the pan quickly.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Hard wearing and robust
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Look a little dated
- Less efficient and more expensive to run than ceramic and induction
Induction Downdraft
A more recent development, these hobs have an additional function that no others do. They feature a built-in extractor unit, which draws in steam and grease particles from the air. The extractor then processes the steam through a filter before an exhaust removes the extracted air.
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Removes the need for an overhead extractor
- Draws in steam and grease particles before they can escape into the air, keeping your kitchen clean and odour-free
Cons:
- More expensive to buy
- Limited range of models available
- More complex to install
View All Induction Downdraft Hobs
Which type of hob is right for me?
Every style of hob has its merits. The question is, which type is right for you? Here are some pointers to help you make your mind up…
- Gas hobs will never go out of style – and they’re used in professional kitchens for a reason. Their ability to generate consistent heat in seconds makes them a worthy choice, even if they are less efficient than the competition.
- Ceramic hobs look the part and are a dream to live with. If you’re looking for convenience and minimalism, ceramic hobs are tough to beat.
- Hot plate hobs are perfect for those on the move. Compact and convenient, they’re ideal for temporary accommodation.
- Induction hobs pair the modern look of a ceramic hob with ingenious electromagnetic tech, making them safer, cheaper to run and more efficient than anything else.
- Induction downdraft hobs are the ultimate addition to a modern kitchen. Space-saving and even more convenient than standard induction hobs, they command a higher price for a reason.
Explore our range of hobs online today
No matter which type of hob you’re leaning towards, you can find it right here at Cookology. Our extensive lineup of kitchen hobs includes ceramic, induction, gas and hot plate varieties, with plenty of options available in each category to suit your budget, taste and specific requirements.
Explore our complete range of hobs and other kitchen appliances online today, or get your questions answered using the live chat feature at the bottom right of your screen.
