Divertimenti's Hob Type Buying Guide

Ceramic

Ceramic hobs have a glass surface with heating elements beneath. The heat conducts through the glass and into the pan. Traditionally they are electric-powered but alternatives are available in the form of ceramic induction hobs and gas glass hobs. 

Ceramic hobs can be scratched easily. To avoid damaging the ceramic surface, cookware should always be lifted off and not dragged. Cast iron cookware is particularly liable to damage a ceramic surface due to its weight.
Ideally flat base cookware should be used. Pans whose size corresponds to the heating area are most efficient. 

Induction

This type of cooker uses a magnetic field created between the pan and a coil underneath the hob’s surface to heat up. It is the cookware itself that heats up rather than the cooking surface.
Induction hobs are limited to cookware made out of electromagnetic metal, such as iron, or steel. Most cookware that is compatible with induction technology will carry a ‘Class Induction’ label. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware it will work on an induction hob.
Aluminium, anodised aluminium, or copper based cookware is incompatible with this type of cooker unless the base is bonded with a magnetic metal. 

Gas

Gas hobs; usually consist of gas four burners of varying size. They are popular because they provide visible heat, are easy to control, and are cheaper to run than electric cookers. Gas hobs are compatible with any type of cookware. When selecting you cookware it is advised that you use the correct size of pan and regulate the flame so that it doesn’t extend beyond the base of the pan, as this wastes gas and can damage the cookware.

Electric Plate

This type of cooker uses traditional solid electric plates to heat pots and pans. They provide excellent heat distribution across the base of the saucepan.
Electric plates can accommodate any type of flat base cookware and are especially suited to cast iron cookware.

Solid hotplate

Usually made from cast iron, this type of hob contains a sealed electric element inside. Solid hotplates require flat based pans so that they heat evenly and do not waste energy.

Halogen

Halogen hobs are similar to ceramic hobs but produce heat using halogen lamps. The lamps are positioned under the glass top and transmit heat and light upwards.
Halogen hobs generate intense heat and so require cookware with a heavy base. Pans with shiny bases should be avoided since they can reflect the light which can cause the halogen lamps to switch off.
As with ceramic hobs, the surface of halogen hobs can be damaged if pans are dragged rather than lifted off.

Solid Fuel

Solid Fuel Cookers such as AGAs, usually provide heat and hot water for the whole house as well as for cooking. It is best to select cookware with a thick base so that it can withstand the high temperatures generated.

Radiant Spiral

Most commonly found on electric cookers, radiant spirals are compatible with any type of cookware.