Below you will find a guide to the various hob types available, and you will also learn what cookware is suitable for each type. Electric Plate or Portable Gas Hobs These hobs are a great choice if you don’t have the space for a full cooktop, but they’re also great if you need more cookers. Of all the hobs in this guide, these are the simplest, having an on/off switch and limited heat options. We recommend that you choose one with a heat sensor, especially if you have a crowded kitchen or a house full of young children. Portable gas or electric hobs can be used with most cookware, including that made of cast iron, anodized aluminum, ceramic and copper.
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Solid Top Hobs The metal plate electric cooker is being replaced by those with ceramic tops. Metal plates emit more heat than their newer counterparts, but these newer hobs are more energy efficient than ever. If you love your solid-top cooker, don’t worry—you’ll be able to find a newer, comparable unit. These hobs are basic, and cleanup is easy. Solid-top hobs can accommodate aluminum, cast iron, ceramic, copper and anodized aluminum cookware. Glass-top Hobs Glass cooktops have become popular over the last two decades, and are a great choice for newly-built homes. These hobs are easy to use, very functional, energy efficient and simple to clean. The rings underneath the glass top help to prevent heat dissipation, and a glass cooktop is best for those who need versatility and quick heating. A glass-top hob is sleek and modern-looking, but the top is prone to scratching, chipping and cracking. Most cookware can be used with this type of hob, but due to its quick heating, ceramics should be used with caution.
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Induction Cooktops Induction cooking is an environmentally-friendly option, as it uses the magnetic characteristics of special cookware to make heat. These hobs do use some electricity, but the amount is far less than a traditional cooker. With an induction hob, electric current is generated by the cookware when it is placed on the cooktop. The main disadvantage to this kind of cooker is that most buyers will have to invest in compatible cookware. However, cast iron, multi-ply and steel cookware will work
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Gas Hobs The gas cooktop has been around since the late 19th century, and is still used in professional kitchens everywhere. However, the high cost of gas these days makes them a less economical option. The risk of flare-ups is higher with a gas cooker, but you will still be able to cook in the event of a power outage. A gas cooktop can be used with almost any type of cookware, except ceramics.
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Whether you’re looking for simplicity, energy efficiency or a modern look, there’s a hob out there that will suit you perfectly. If you can’t decide between the old and the new, stick with what you know—if you liked your old glass hob, you’ll probably like the new one as well
Solid Top Hobs The metal plate electric cooker is being replaced by those with ceramic tops. Metal plates emit more heat than their newer counterparts, but these newer hobs are more energy efficient than ever. If you love your solid-top cooker, don’t worry—you’ll be able to find a newer, comparable unit. These hobs are basic, and cleanup is easy. Solid-top hobs can accommodate aluminum, cast iron, ceramic, copper and anodized aluminum cookware. Glass-top Hobs Glass cooktops have become popular over the last two decades, and are a great choice for newly-built homes. These hobs are easy to use, very functional, energy efficient and simple to clean. The rings underneath the glass top help to prevent heat dissipation, and a glass cooktop is best for those who need versatility and quick heating. A glass-top hob is sleek and modern-looking, but the top is prone to scratching, chipping and cracking. Most cookware can be used with this type of hob, but due to its quick heating, ceramics should be used with caution.
Induction Cooktops Induction cooking is an environmentally-friendly option, as it uses the magnetic characteristics of special cookware to make heat. These hobs do use some electricity, but the amount is far less than a traditional cooker. With an induction hob, electric current is generated by the cookware when it is placed on the cooktop. The main disadvantage to this kind of cooker is that most buyers will have to invest in compatible cookware. However, cast iron, multi-ply and steel cookware will work
Gas Hobs The gas cooktop has been around since the late 19th century, and is still used in professional kitchens everywhere. However, the high cost of gas these days makes them a less economical option. The risk of flare-ups is higher with a gas cooker, but you will still be able to cook in the event of a power outage. A gas cooktop can be used with almost any type of cookware, except ceramics.
Whether you’re looking for simplicity, energy efficiency or a modern look, there’s a hob out there that will suit you perfectly. If you can’t decide between the old and the new, stick with what you know—if you liked your old glass hob, you’ll probably like the new one as well