Cooker Hobs | Ceramic, Induction, Gas & Solid Plate | Cheshire

Online and at our Cheshire based showroom, we stock a range of cooker hob types which all offer benefits and drawbacks. With so many options we appreciate it can be hard to decide which type is right for you and your cooking habits / needs. We have detailed some of the pros and cons of each hob below to help you make your next purchase.

Ceramic Hobs

Our experience tells us that one of the most popular hob types are ceramic, which are quick and simple to clean and are found on electric stoves. There's no denying that ceramic hobs have a more sleek appearance and feel than some of the more traditional hobs.

They are also quite simple to use and understand, which makes them perfect for beginners in the kitchen. They are among the most modern hobs available and undoubtedly have many advantages, but there is one main drawback to be considered… because ceramic hobs don't produce heat as evenly as more conventional hobs, heat won't distribute as evenly. This can make cooking some meals a little trickier, and may take a little of time to get used to if you have previously used a gas cooker.

Features to look out for:

  • Flexible heat controls
  • Finger-touch controls / Removable knobs
  • Child safety locks
  • Automatic timeout

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs are the traditional option and still many peoples preference due to familiarity and simplicity of use. Gas hobs are perfect for cooking a variety of dishes since they heat up quickly and provide easy temperature control. In addition, they work with any kind of cookware and importantly to many of our customers cost less to operate than other kinds of hobs. One downside to choosing a gas hob is that you must have them installed by a Gas Safe licensed engineer and require a gas supply to your property.

Features to look out for:

  • Flexible heat controls
  • Finger-touch controls / Removable knobs
  • Automatic ignition
  • Rapid burners

Solid Plate Hobs

Solid plate hobs are popular because of their affordability and longevity. They have sturdy iron heating plates that are sealed to keep spills out of the internal workings of the hob. Additionally, solid plate hobs have the extra benefit of being a little bit easier to clean because of their flat, smooth surface. In comparison to its ceramic and induction counterparts, solid plate hobs require more time to heat up and cool down, but they provide a more affordable cooking experience, which makes them a good choice for many homeowners looking for a dependable kitchen hob!

Features to look out for:

  • Flexible heat controls
  • Finger-touch controls / Removable knobs
  • Power level Indicator
  • Flexible cooking zones

Induction Hobs

A relatively new kind of hob that has become more and more popular recently is the induction hob. Instead of heating the hob surface, they heat the pan directly using electromagnetic technology. Because they are so energy-efficient and provide accurate temperature control, induction hobs are a fantastic option for people who care about the environment. Because they only heat up when a suitable pan is placed on the surface, they are also quite safe. However, compared to other types of hobs, induction hobs can be more expensive and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Features to look out for:

  • Flexible heat controls
  • Finger-touch controls / Removable knobs
  • Heat level visualisation
  • Flexible cooking zones

Every type of hob has pros and cons of its own, and the decision ultimately comes down to personal tastes, cooking routines, and kitchen needs. We pride ourselves on offering a range of hobs that fit any budget and have selected a few to showcase below: