KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

From electric induction hobs with ceramic glass heating surfaces, to conventional gas hobs, Bosch shares tips on how to choose one that suits your needs.

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From electric induction hobs with ceramic glass heating surfaces, to conventional gas hobs, Bosch shares tips on how to choose one that suits your needs. 
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Enjoying home-cooked food is one of the simple pleasures in life. Whether you’re an enthusiastic home chef or a design-conscious homeowner, choosing the right hob for your kitchen brings you closer to fulfilling your design and functional needs. 

Which hob should I choose – induction or gas? 

As a general rule of thumb, electric- powered induction hobs are safer to use compared to other alternatives. It limits the risks of burns — the hobs cool down quickly when turned off — and the temperature control is more accurate. If you have kids at home, choose a hob with safety functions, like the Bosch PID631BB1E which has child-lock features, to prevent accidents. 

What should I consider after deciding on a hob type? 

If you choose an induction hob, use suitable cookware such as saucepans that have a magnetic, iron and flat base. 

Bosch’s range of induction hobs have automatic pan recognition to identify the size of pan and pot bases instead of the entire zone, which translates to greater energy efficiency and savings. The flat and sleek surfaces also make them easy to clean. 

Some food aficionados prefer gas hobs as they can achieve wok hei – flavours from the charring of ingredients – in home-cooked food when stir-frying over high heat from an open flame. Bosch’s range of gas hobs offers precise flame adjustment to independently control the inner and outer flame rings on the hob, so you can cook up a storm with just the right amount of heat! 

How do I clean my hob? 

All surfaces must be cooled before wiping, as the use of cleaning agents on hot surfaces may result in fumes that are hazardous. 

For induction hobs, remove watermarks and stains with white vinegar. To remove burnt food deposits, pour a small amount of cleaning fluid directly onto the hob and wipe with a cleaning cloth, kitchen towel or glass scraper. 

To maintain stainless-steel surfaces on glass hobs, opt for a mild cleaning agent or stainless-steel cleaner, and wipe dry. Do not use solutions that contain chlorine, as it’s corrosive to stainless steel.

What safety concerns should I be aware of? 

All cooker hobs have their own safety risks. Proper installation and maintenance is important. Keep your hobs spotless by cleaning up after use. A well-ventilated kitchen is also good, as it lowers safety risks significantly. For instance, as cooking using gas hobs is done over an open flame, faulty or poorly maintained appliances may cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and even carbon monoxide poisoning. 

To find out more about Bosch’s range of hobs and appliances, visit http://www.bosch-home.com.sg