The hob: self-sufficient & intelligent.
Which hob fits in the kitchen? In the Mykitchens magazine we have summarized various hobs, types, dimensions and functions.
Reading time: about 3 minutes
The days of hotplates are long gone. Anyone who lives a modern and up-to-date life has a hob. And even more modern: an induction hob. A hob is operated independently of the oven. It is controlled (usually) conveniently by touch. And because you can install the ceramic hob independently of the oven, you can place it wherever you want. This in turn enables a modern kitchen design. So that you can choose the best product for your kitchen, we compare different types of hob for you and show our bestsellers from the hob category in the Mykitchens magazine.
Glass ceramic hob or ceramic hob?
Food can be heated and cooked using a hob, as it generates heat that allows the food to cook in a pot or pan. The word "ceramic" is often used incorrectly as a synonym. Ceramic hobs are found quite often in the kitchen. This special glass ceramic hob was developed in the 1970s by the manufacturer Schott. It is a registered brand name. Therefore, not every hob with glass ceramic is also a ceramic hob. However, a ceramic hob is always a glass ceramic hob.
Hob types
We have taken a closer look at the different hob types and highlighted the differences between glass ceramic hobs, induction hobs and gas hobs.
Glass ceramic cooktops
We often find glass ceramic cooktops in the kitchen. They are relatively inexpensive and can be found in many brands. With a glass ceramic hob, the heating coils located under the glass ceramic plate are heated. The heat from the heating coils then heats the corresponding cooking zone, which in turn heats the pot above it.
Induction cooktop
A modern glass ceramic cooktop is induction-capable. This means that heat is generated by an alternating magnetic field. The energy generated is transferred directly to the bottom of the pot, where eddy currents are generated. The frictional heat of this heats up the bottom of the pot alone. The surface itself remains cold on the induction cooktop .
Gas cooktops
Gas cooktops are particularly popular with professional chefs. They have a natural charm and are an absolute eye-catcher in a modern kitchen. They are powered by gas and fire.
Solid cooktops
Solid hobs are hardly in use these days, as they have many disadvantages compared to other cooktops. With this type of cooktops, heat is generated by heating coils that are pressed into the body of the hotplates. The pots are heated by simple heat conduction on contact.
cooktops with extractor hoods
A special feature that is relatively new on the market is a cooktop with extractor hood. The cooking fumes are extracted directly from the hob, where they are created. This makes this type of extractor hood not only extremely effective, but also extremely practical.
What to look out for when buying a cooktop
There are a few key points to consider when buying a new cooktop. For example, the size of the cooktop and the type of installation in the worktop (with or without a frame).
Design frame
A design frame can look different depending on the manufacturer. Usually the front edge slopes downwards. However, there are also variants where only the front edge or the side edges are framed.
Faceted cut
With the so-called faceted cut, the frame is slightly bevelled. This looks nicer and is also easier to clean than a normal stainless steel frame.
Stainless steel frame
The classic variant for installing a hob is a stainless steel frame. It completely encloses the hob, but often forms a small gap between the hob and the worktop.
Roasting zone
Common glass ceramic hobs have four cooking zones with a roasting zone that can be switched on. However, this depends on the size of the hob. You can often extend one or two fields with a second cooking circle to create a larger field.
Flex zone
The arrangement of induction hobs can be variable. You also have the option of purchasing fixed cooking zones here. In addition, some manufacturers offer so-called flex zones or vario zones. They consist of several cooking zones one behind the other that can be flexibly switched on and off. By connecting two cooking zones, there is also space for a large roasting pan.
Surface induction
Surface induction offers even more flexibility. It doesn't matter where you place a pot or pan on the induction surface. The device detects contact with the cookware and only heats it up.
Functions: What modern hobs must be able to do
We have selected the best functions that a modern hob can offer.
Cooking sensor & frying sensor
Sensors in the hob ensure better temperature control. This prevents overflow, for example.
Booster for faster boiling times
TwinBooster at Miele, PowerInduction at Siemens, Power Booster at SMEG - hobs have a booster function for super-fast boiling. This means more power in less time.
Cooking assistants
The hob becomes intelligent and provides you with advice and assistance while you cook. Many modern hobs have automatic cooking assistants that help with preparation.
Accessories for the hob
Discover the best accessories for the hob in our shop!
Grill plates & Teppan Yaki
You can not only cook and fry on a hob, but also grill. To ensure that your grilled dishes turn out perfectly, there is a grill plate as an optional cooking accessory. With a smooth surface or ribbed.
The Teppan Yaki grill (seen here on the left with a BORA hob) is a smooth stainless steel plate that is excellent for Japanese dishes. Meat, fish and vegetables can be grilled on it - easily, quickly and gently.
Roaster
A roaster is the ideal cookware for braising, roasting and baking. It offers more space for the food than in a pot or pan and can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods: There are roasters for induction, electric or the oven.
Cast iron has proven to be a very good material. Alternatively, there are also roasters made of glass. In terms of variety, the large cookware also impresses with its shape: square, round, oval, with or without a lid - a wide variety of solutions are possible.
Hob cleaner
Like any other electrical appliance, a hob must be cleaned carefully. In principle, water with a little detergent is enough to remove stains from the hob. Stubborn dirt and burnt-on food, however, requires a little more. For example, special cleaning scrapers for hobs or hob cleaners.
Top sellers: These are the best hobs
Before buying a kitchen appliance, you can sometimes be overwhelmed. The selection of products, models, colors and functions is large. That's why we have simply listed our three product highlights from the hob category.
Miele cooktop
The Miele cooktop is available in different sizes and types. Miele hobs are available from around €400, but also for over €5,000. Premium devices have modern functions. For example, smart controls, temperature sensors, integrated extractor hoods, surface induction, etc.
Siemens cooktop
You can't go wrong with a Siemens cooktop either. There are solid entry-level devices starting at around 400 euros and expensive cooktop for around 2,000 euros (Siemens iQ700 hob of the latest generation). Modern Siemens induction cooktop are equipped with frying sensors, are smart-capable and have a modern TFT touch display.
Bora cooktop
The Bora cooktops is a modern induction hob with an integrated extractor hood. There are various models that differ fundamentally in the shape of the extractor hood. The size (e.g. the small 60 cm BORA hob S Pure) is also a distinguishing criterion for the BORA cooktop.
Ask for your personal offer for BORA hobs using our Kontaktformular.