Which Hob is Best: Induction, Gas or Electric?

Which Hob is Best: Induction, Gas or Electric?

The following contribution is from another author.

If you’re thinking about having a new oven and hob installed, you’re likely wondering what type is best, and moreover, how they compare.

In today’s guide, we’ll look at the features and pros & cons of induction, gas, and electric hobs. We’ll help you weigh up these options while also giving our thoughts on which one is superior.

Induction Hobs

An induction hob has a similar functioning to an electric hob. It contains coils underneath its surface that work to induce electrical current as a means of producing heat. One core advantage of an induction hob is that it’s generally more efficient which would mean lower running costs.

What’s more, induction hobs tend to be quick to heat up (as well as being fast to change temperature when desired), come with modern designs, and are fairly easy to clean. Also, they are a great option if you’ve no access to the main gas supply.

You could also hire a local kitchen fitter to install an induction or electric hob, whereas a gas hob must be installed by a Gas Safe Register engineer.

On the other hand, induction hobs are generally more costly than gas hobs. Beyond that, induction hobs are a bit louder than gas or electric hobs, and furthermore, they do not come with an open flame which could be used for charring. Lastly, if you’d like an induction hob, you might have to purchase new pans that come with a magnetic base.

Gas Hobs

Moving on to gas hobs, these work whereby gas flows via a supply pipe to the burner where a spark is used to create ignition. This flame is then used to heat up the pan (and the surrounding area) so that you can cook your meals.

So, what are the advantages of gas hobs? For one, they tend to be less expensive to run than electric or induction hobs. Moreover, gas hobs will offer you instant control of adjusting the flame from high to low as you wish, they provide heat right away, and they are well-suited to a wide range of pots and pans.

While it’s true that gas hobs will not shut off in the event of a power cut (which contrasts both induction and electric hobs), we would certainly not recommend that you continue to cook in the dark, should this occur at night time. A flashlight would not suffice, so unless you have backup lights of sufficient brightness to ensure safety whilst cooking, you should carefully turn off your gas hob if the power goes out. Obviously, if it happens in the daytime and you can clearly see what you’re doing, then cook away.

In terms of the downsides, gas hobs can be difficult to clean, offer lower efficiency due to having an open flame, and aren’t the safest option if you have young children or pets. Beyond that, a gas supply is required and to many, gas hobs now look old-fashioned. So, as you can see, gas hobs have quite a mix of pros and cons too.

If, in the end, you decide that a gas hob is for you, you should look into gas ceramic hobs (i.e., gas-on-glass hobs). These hobs provide plenty of controllability, as gas hobs do in general, while also being easier to clean than regular gas hobs.

Electric Hobs

Let’s now move on to electric hobs. These hobs are somewhat similar to induction hobs. However, in the case of electric hobs, they work by carrying an electric current through elements situated under the ceramic glass surface as a way of generating heat. As with gas hobs, there are several types of electric hobs to choose from.

Among the benefits of electric hobs are that they are stable and long-lasting, easy to clean, and less costly to install in the first place than gas hobs. Beyond that, they are safer for children and pets than gas hobs, while they are also easy to turn on/off and feature a useful dial system that is used to increase or decrease heat.

In terms of the downsides, electric hobs do not heat up instantly like gas hobs. Furthermore, the tops of electric hobs come with the risk of being damaged/stained.

Which One Should I Opt For?

As you can see, induction, gas and electric hobs each come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Which option would be right for you would depend largely on your preferences and priorities. If you want lower running costs, opt for gas. If you want maximum safety and an eco-friendly solution, opt for an electric or induction hob.

Hopefully, by weighing up the pros and cons we’ve discussed today, you’ll soon determine which option is right for you. But if you’re still unsure, consider consulting a professional for further advice.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).

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