How to choose the best ceramic hob

Ceramic hob buyers guide

Sleek, stylish, and easy to care for, ceramic hobs are a popular choice for cooks everywhere. When choosing the best ceramic hob, we understand that you want to get it right. You may want a little help and advice before making your decision, and this guide aims to provide just that.

Things to consider when buying a ceramic hob

It can be difficult to know where to start when choosing a new kitchen appliance, particularly if it’s a type you’ve not purchased before. Ceramic hobs differ from other types of hob in a number of ways, so it’s worth taking a few moments to understand just what they are and how you’ll use one.

What is a ceramic hob?

A ceramic hob is a highly effective solution built from shatterproof and highly conductive ceramic glass above heating elements. As well as providing a streamlined, smooth surface that looks fabulous, ceramic hobs heat up quickly and provide a nice, even temperature on which you can cook your favourite dishes.

How a ceramic hob works

A ceramic hob works by conducting heat to the ceramic glass surface from a heating coil element beneath its surface. This heat level is variable and can be adjusted using the heating controls on the hob itself. There are no visible hob rings, instead, there are heated areas called zones available on the hob’s surface.

How to clean your ceramic hob

The cleaning of a ceramic hob is easier than with some other hob types. Many people appreciate how simple it is to clean such a smooth, flat area. This contrasts sharply with gas hobs that have lots of parts that need to be taken apart and cleaned before putting them all back.

Cleaning a ceramic hob after each use is the best way to stop baked-on cooking residues from building up. Simply make sure you have switched off the hob and allowed it time to cool down. Then, just use warm water with a dash of washing up liquid in it along with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wipe the surface. Always dry it off with a soft, dry cloth when you’re done, and that’s all there is to it.

Best pans for a ceramic hob

Once you’ve installed your shiny, new ceramic hob, the last thing you want to do is cause any damage to the surface by using the wrong pans. It’s best to use either new pans or those that you haven’t been used on gas hobs. This is so that you can be sure the bottom of the pans is nice and smooth and even, ready to sit on the sleek ceramic glass surface of your new hob. Choosing good quality pans is always the best option: ideally, select pans with an anodised or coated base so that they won’t scratch the surface.

Ceramic hob vs induction hob

Given that the two types look quite similar, you might wonder what the differences are between ceramic and induction hobs. The obvious difference is the material the surface of the hob is made from. Ceramic hobs are made from ceramic glass, and induction hobs are not. The other difference to bear in mind is in the type of heating element. The coil in an induction hob will only induce heat when you place a pan on the heat zone. This is not the case with a ceramic hob which will deliver heat whenever one of the heat zones is switched on. Induction hobs may have the edge in terms of energy efficiency, however, the purchase price is significantly higher. Pans suitable for induction hobs may also come at a premium.

Key Features

As with other hob types, ceramic hobs come with a range of features and options including those below.

Number of heat zones

Most ceramic hobs offer either four or five separate heat zones. This is determined by the size of the hob and your preferences.

Controls

Many of the latest models offer touch controls and digital displays. Rotary controls are a further option but they can compromise the smooth appearance. Some rotary controls pop up when pushed which improves the appearance but none of the rotary options are as easy to keep clean as touch controls which lie beneath the surface.

Budget

Here at Knees Home & Electrical, we sell ceramic hobs that are suitable for budgets from £125 to £1500. It can be helpful to think about some of the different features available and consider which ones you think you’ll want or need. If you’re still feeling unsure about your requirements after reading our guide, please ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team who will be happy to advise you and guide you through the decision-making process.

Shop for ceramic hobs at Knees

Please browse our extensive collection of ceramic hobs from brands that you can rely on to deliver exceptional quality. The built-in ceramic hobs we sell come from highly regarded manufacturers such as Beko, Bosch, NEFF, and Zanussi and are available in a range of options.

We also have a shop based in Wiltshire where you can browse our wide selection of appliances in person if you’re close by. Whether you visit us online or in person, our friendly and expert staff will be happy to provide you with the help you need with your purchase so that you can buy with complete confidence.