What Is A Hob In A Kitchen And Why You Should Add It To Your Countertop

Looking for your next price-worthy kitchen upgrade? Well, how about you leave the cabinets for a change and update an appliance that actually does the cooking? A hob is a cooking appliance typically built directly into your kitchen countertop. Getting one for your kitchen might just be the perfect upgrade to tie the space together. Built-in hobs are all the rage, but this isn't one of those overrated kitchen appliance trends that promises more than it delivers. 

Hobs offer aesthetic and maintenance benefits that you really can't overlook. Although they're sometimes used interchangeably, it is not a cooktop. While freestanding cooktops are portable and sit on the counter, hobs are seamlessly integrated into it. There are different types available, though most common are electric and gas. All types have the advantage of being space-efficient additions to your kitchen. 

Because hobs are installed flush with the countertop, they free up valuable kitchen space. This makes them a great option for small kitchens that need compact appliances. They are also easier to clean because cooktops often have hard-to-reach crevices behind them that crumbs or food particles could fall into. These appliances give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. However, you should know that hobs are considered to be permanent fixtures, so they might be difficult to uninstall after you've added them to your countertop.

Electric hobs use electricity as their heat source, and there are two popular types: induction and ceramic. A ceramic hob has a smooth glass-ceramic surface with heating coils under it. When the hob is turned on, the coils glow a bright red and heat up your selected cooking areas. However, it doesn't heat up quite as fast as an induction hob and takes a little longer to cool down after cooking. This makes it less energy-efficient. That said, it's compatible with most cookware as long as what you're using has a flat, smooth base.

If you're a lover of thermal-efficient appliances, then an induction hob could be your go-to. Instead of using heating coils, it creates a magnetic field that heats your cookware directly. The result? The hob itself stays cool to the touch, which makes it super safe — especially if you have kids running around. It also means that no heat is wasted as only the pan or pot is heated up, not any of the surrounding area. It heats up quickly and gives you instant control over the temperature, but it requires specific cookware with magnetic bases to work with its unique heating mechanism. Cast iron and stainless steel are the usual options. Finally, both types of electric hob are very easy to clean. A simple wipe down with a soft cloth and mild detergent or a hob cleaner is all you need.

A gas hob typically uses natural gas or propane to heat cookware directly. This type provides instant heat with an adjustable flame. You can use a wide range of cookware with it, and it is perfect for cooking tasks that require quick heat adjustments. Power outages wouldn't get in the way of your cooking because a gas hob doesn't need electricity to turn on. It comes as either gas-on-glass or gas-on-steel. The major difference between the two is in cleaning and thermal efficiency. Gas-on-glass is typically easier to clean and doesn't conduct heat to the surrounding area as quickly as steel ones. 

It's always best to have a range above your cooktop or hob, whether it's a gas or an electric one. But sometimes, it could be in a spot where it's difficult or impossible to install the right range hood. In this situation, venting hobs are a game-changer. These lesser-known yet clever appliances come with built-in extractors that suck up steam, smoke, and odors right from the cooking surface. Venting hobs are available in gas, induction, and ceramic models, so you don't have to compromise on your preferred cooking style. 

Another variation you might consider is a domino hob. These are usually smaller in size than the average hob and have the advantage of fuel flexibility. You can have a gas burner on one side and an induction on the other. Domino hobs are perfect for smaller kitchens or as supplementary cooking surfaces.