Types of Hob: Ceramic vs Induction vs Gas

When it comes to cookers, there are several different types of hobs available, each with unique benefits. So, how do you pick which solution is right for you and your cooking needs?

In this Hoover guide, we’ll detail the most common types of hobs, including some strengths and potential drawbacks for each. From gas to electric, induction to ceramic, read on to find out more about the various types of hobs.

Gas or electric hobs

When considering your choice of hobs, the first decision to make is whether to go gas or electric. For many people, this is a straightforward selection because of the power source available in their homes, as not all properties have access to gas.

However, for those with access to both electricity and gas, there are several considerations to bear in mind.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are fuelled by flammable gas from your supplier, and most gas hobs feature multiple burners – typically two to six. Pans rest on metal supports above the burners and are heated by an open flame.

Gas hobs provide a faster source of heat than electric, as they produce an immediate flame. The intensity of this heat source is also easier to change, providing cooks with more control over the temperature of pans. In addition, gas is normally a cheaper type of energy than electricity.

While gas hobs provide many benefits, they also come with drawbacks to consider. They usually take longer to clean than electric hobs, due to the multiple parts involved. Gas hobs can also be less safe for families with children, as there is an open flame and igniters can become defective, requiring replacement.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs, available in ceramic and induction versions, use mains electricity to heat pans. Pans usually sit on a flat surface, which again contains two to six heating rings.

Electric hobs are generally cheaper and simpler to install than gas alternatives, as well as being easier to clean. They are also very straightforward to use, with a simple on/off switch. In addition, electric hobs are much more family-friendly and the area around the cooker stays cooler during the cooking process.

While electric hobs have many advantages, they also take longer to heat up than gas alternatives and the temperature control is not as precise.

Your choice of gas or electric is entirely dependent on your own situation and needs – there’s no right or wrong answer, and both can provide an excellent cooking experience.

Ceramic vs induction hobs

If you do decide to go electric, the next thing to consider is the different types of electric hobs available.

Electric hobs come in two main options: ceramic and induction.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs are the most common variety of electric hobs. They involve a flat ceramic surface with heating elements fitted underneath. As the element heats up, the surface area immediately above becomes hot, allowing pans to be heated. Most ceramic hobs have two to six circles on, usually of slightly varying sizes, which can each be heated in isolation. Ceramic hobs with two heat zones are also sometimes called domino hobs.

Ceramic hobs are widely available and simple to install, as well as being easy to clean, due to their flat surface. They require caution after use though, as the surface remains hot for a time after switching off, although most indicate when they are still warm.

Induction hobs

You now know about ceramic hobs, so what’s an induction hob? Induction hobs work by transferring an electric current from beneath a flat surface through the iron in the base of a pan, creating a magnetic field and generating heat.

Induction hobs are faster than their ceramic alternatives, making them more akin to gas hobs in terms of speed. They have the advantage of being extremely easy to clean, as the hob surface itself remains cool. This also means that induction hobs are very safe and energy efficient, as the hobs don’t need to cool down after use. However, it’s worth considering expenditure when looking into induction hobs, as you’ll require induction-suitable pans with iron in the base, which not all your pans might have.

So there you have it, Hoover’s guide to hob types, featuring gas, electric ceramic, and electric induction. Whatever your cooking needs, there’s a hob that’s perfect for you. Consider your priorities based on convenience, cost, safety, speed, fuel type, and energy efficiency to help you decide which type of hob is right for you and your kitchen.

To browse the latest range of state-of-the-art hobs for fast, efficient cooking, whether you’re after gas, ceramic or electric, check out the Hoover range of cutting-edge hobs here.