So you’re looking for a new hob…
Our handy guide will help you understand the key features and benefits of hobs on the market currently, including;
Energy Efficiency
Under current legislation, hobs do not require an energy label so do not have an energy rating.
The most efficient type of hob currently is an induction hob, as it heats the pan directly, rather than the hob surface. It applies heat immediately and also removes heat immediately when switched off, with no residual heat.
Sizes
Standard hobs come with either two, four or five cooking zones. However, the dimensions for each size of hob can differ quite a lot. Always check the dimensions of a new hob before you buy to make sure it will fit in the space on your work surface.
Two cooking zones
Also called a ‘domino’ hob, the standard dimensions are around 29cm wide and between 52 and 57.5cm deep.
Four cooking zones
Standard dimensions are usually around 59cm wide and around 52cmm deep.
Five cooking zones
These can differ significantly depending on the placement of the five cooking zones, from between 69.5cm to 89cm wide and 50 to 51cm deep on average.
Types
There are four types of hob; Solid Plate, Ceramic, Induction and Gas. Discover below, a little more about each option.
Aesthetic
A stainless steel or enamel (which is usually white) base with metal hob plates
How does it work?
Each plate has an electric coil underneath that heats up the plate and transfers heat to your pan.
Benefits
Easy to install
Simple to use
Available in electric
Most affordable hob on the market
Easy to wipe clean
To see our Solid Plate Hobs click here.
Aesthetic
A black toughened glass surface with either rotary or touch controls.
How does it work?
Electric coils beneath the surface heat up and this heat transfers to your pan.
Benefits
Easy to clean
Simple to use
Easy to install, especially Plug and Play
Available in electric
Available to hardwire or with a 3 pin plug
Timer available
Great for students and older people
To see our Ceramic Hobs click here.
Aesthetic
A black toughened glass/ ceramic surface, similar to a ceramic hob, with touch controls.
How does it work?
A coil of copper wire underneath the ceramic plate heats the pan directly rather than the hob surface using magnetism.
Benefits
Less energy used
No hot surface so extra safe
Easy to install
Easy to clean
Simple to use
Hardwire or 3 pin plug
Note: Pans used on an induction hob must have a high iron content
To see our Induction Hobs click here.
Aesthetic
A choice of stainless steel with enamel or cast iron pan supports or black glass with cast iron pan supports. All gas hobs have rotary controls.
How does it work?
An electrical supply is required to ignite the gas. Either the gas pipe is attached to the gas mains in your home, or if there is no gas mains, to an LPG gas canister. Most new gas hobs have an automatic ignition.
Benefits
Super quick heat
Easy to control
Simple to use
To see our Gas Hobs click here.
