Gas & Electric Hobs
Your hob may well be one of the most important features of your household. For those of you in the states, a hob refers to what Americans commonly call a stovetop. It is the center of all household culinary endeavors, and acts as a sort of modern day hearth for apartment dwellers the world over.
The decision between gas & electric hobs is an important one, and it pays to be well informed about the strengths and weaknesses of each.
One key drawback of an electric hob is taste. While there is some controversy about this, with many claiming there is no real difference, most career chefs agree that ‘it just doesn’t taste the same as gas.’
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 4 Ring Mirror Glass Built-In Gas Hob 60cm T-60CM  £144.99
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 SMEG SE64SNX3 STAINLESS STEEL GAS HOB RRP £199 £119.00
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 Parry Gas Hob Cooktop £300.00
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 Igenix Electric Mini Hob Table Top Hot Plate £24.95
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 BRAND NEW KENWOOD 1800W-IH100 PORTABLE INDUCTION HOB £72.27
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 DUVALLI KITCHEN MIRROR GAS 4 RING BURNER HOB NEW GHG924 £129.00
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 CDA HCG521 STAINLESS STEEL 4 BURNER GAS HOB £149.99
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 CDA HVG31 SINGLE BURNER BEVELLED GLASS GAS HOB £259.99
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 CDA HCG501 WHITE 4 BURNER GAS HOB £129.99
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 CDA HVG65 4 BURNER BEVELLED GLASS GAS HOB £369.99
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Indeed, there is some key difference in the texture of a meal cooked over an electric hob when compared to one prepared on gas. This is likely due to the cook’s ability to precisely control the heat produced on a gas hob. While this may not be a deal breaker to some, others consider it the most important aspect of a cooking station.
Although electric stoves are becomingly increasingly precise as the technology advances, there are just some culinary feats they simply aren’t capable of. For instance, try roasting your marshmallows on an electric hob, and be prepared for disappointment.
On the side of electric is price. Some electric units can cost half of their gas counterparts. One must also consider the availability of gas in modern housing. While gas was used frequently in the past, houses built less than twenty years ago may not have it readily available, making an electric hob the natural selection. Safety is another key concern. Gas hobs can be quite dangerous when a pilot light is accidentally blown out, and can fill a small space with highly flammable gas in only a few days.
Once you have made your decision, you can find quality gas & electric hobs at your local hardware department store. However, if you want to avoid the traffic and pushy salesmen, the internet is now a viable source for hardware. The internet auction house eBay has a wide selection of hobs to choose from. Furthermore, due to the competitive nature of the site, some of the best values can be found there.
Wherever you buy, make sure you take the choice between gas and & electric hobs seriously…your stomach, and your wallet will thank you.