Delicious dinner parties, romantic dining for two, an evening meal for the family… One thing these social events all have in common is the business end of the kitchen – the need for an oven and hob. While you can do without an oven for regular cooking, if your hob fails, your culinary creations become quite difficult to make. So today on the blog, we’re going to be taking a look at this staple appliance and discovering trusty hob options available for your kitchen.
While all hobs have the same function – to heat things up – there are a number of different types available: ceramic, induction, electric, gas, and modular. Choosing the right one for your needs can make a dramatic impact on your overall lifestyle – enabling you to perhaps save time cleaning, cook more efficiently, or cook specialist foods better.
Ceramic hobs are electric with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. They look sleek and stylish and are quick to heat up and retain heat, meaning your cooked vegetables stay hot after the hob is turned down. Unfortunately though, ceramic hobs aren’t as easily controlled as a gas or induction hob, and the smooth, sleek design means that pans and woks need a flat base.
Best for: Style-led buyers who want a good-looking product at a reasonable price and don’t want to spend time cleaning the appliance after use.
With an induction hob, the metal pan completes a circuit giving fast heat and prompt switch off and cooling once the pan is removed. This means they are quicker than other types of hobs and cheaper to run too because they only use the precise amount of energy you need. The safety features run throughout the design as induction hobs only heat the pan – meaning you can touch the adjacent surface without burning yourself. As always, this type of hob isn’t for everyone. It only works with certain pans – so you may have to invest in a new set along with your purchase. Induction jobs are also generally more expensive and noisy than other hobs.
Best for: Family homes with young children due to their safety features and for cooks who require speed and energy efficiency.
The traditional electric hob can be found in many older homes and while they’re not as attractive as some of the newer types of hobs, they are cheap to buy. Old style electric-coil hobs are hard to find these days but are still manufactured by some brands. They are slow to heat up and cool down, and not that energy efficient – but saying that, they do the job.
Best for: Those on a budget
Gas hobs are one of the easiest types to control and they give instant heat – making them a favourite amongst professional cooks. They’re easy to use and can come in a range of sizes. Many also feature speciality burners too – like wok burners – giving precision with oriental cuisine. They work with pans made from any material and are energy efficient, making them an excellent all-rounder. The major downside is that they are probably one of the hardest hobs to clean, but if this is a real issue you could always consider a gas on glass hob.
Best for: Cooks who want a responsive hob that allows them to cook a variety of dishes well.
Chic and totally bespoke, these slim individual hobs offer a keen chef a choice of cooking options including gas, ceramic, induction, barbecue grills and more. The design of your modular hob is completely up to you and your cooking requirements. Of course, these hobs come with a hefty price tag and aren’t always suitable for smaller kitchens due the space required.
Best for: Cooks wowed by a designer kitchens who want their own bespoke cooking centre
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!
Who doesn’t love a peek into someone else’s kitchen?
Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning display kitchens in person. Pop in for a browse—we’ll have the kettle on, or you can try out our instant hot taps!
Book A Free Design Appointment
