If you’re confused about whether to buy a halogen or a ceramic hob, it’s essential to study them first profoundly. Each hob type has different functionalities and materials. Unlike stoves, the latest technology in hob in the UK allows them to fit seamlessly onto your kitchen countertop. In addition, they provide its users with various heat control options as they consist of multi-flame burners. Also, hobs are far safer than the traditional stoves as these hobs are designed to turn off the gas supply as soon as the flame goes off.
Now when you’re strolling through the markets, there are multiple options available. The most famous ones in the UK are halogen and ceramic hobs. If you’re struggling to choose between them, here we have given a brief detail on both the hobs so you can make the decision effectively according to your preference.
Are Halogen and Ceramic Hobs the same?
Halogen and ceramic are both types of the latest, innovative hobs, but they differ to some extent. Halogen hobs fall in the electric hob category, utilizing infrared light to generate heat. These infrared radiations may seem harmful to health, but they are completely safe in these hobs. In addition, they have a ceramic glass cooktop which is quite a durable material and won’t wear out even after years of use.
Whereas a ceramic hob powers up by electricity and has multiple heat zones to provide an even heat. The heating elements beneath the heat zones are responsible for generating the required amount of heat. They are known as ceramic hobs because of the glass finish, which won’t shatter as it’s exceptionally durable.
So, the main difference between halogen and ceramic hobs is that the halogen hobs use infrared radiations to generate heat, whereas the ceramic hob uses heating elements.
What is a Halogen Hob?
Halogen hobs are known to be highly high-tech with their innovative technology containing red lights formed by the four tungsten-halogen tubes. These red lights provide heat to your pan or pot by using infrared light, but it’s not that quick and effective as the gas or induction hobs. Some people may consider these infrared radiations harmful, but this halogen hob has them contained so they won’t hurt you in any way. As long as you don’t look directly into the rays, you’re safe from any harm.
These halogen hobs have a ceramic glass cooktop that will last you for years of efficiency. You can easily control the heat and can turn the temperature up or down according to your requirements. The overall design is flat and fits smoothly inside your kitchen cooktop. The main drawback of this hob is not so good thermal conductivity.
The other one is the fragile glass-ceramic that’s not shatter-proof. However, this cooktop is designed to be tough enough to bear even high temperatures and the weight of some bulky pots and pans. But if you somehow accidentally drop a heavy utensil at it, it’s more likely to shatter and will give you an expensive bill to repair it.
Pros and Cons of Halogen Hobs
Pros
- Extremely high-tech
- Red lights heat up using infrared radiations
- Instant adjustable heat
- Ceramic glass cooktop
- Can bear high temperatures
Cons
- Not so quick heating
- Not so effective thermal conductivity
- Fragile glass ceramic cooktop
What is a Ceramic Hob?
Ceramic hobs are incredibly alluring in looks with their sleek design. They are flat overall and fit perfectly with your kitchen countertop. The flat design depends on rather you’d like a hob with multiple heat options or the one with an innovative touch-supportive panel with zero dials and buttons. This flat construction also provides you with straightforward cleaning and maintenance.
When you look at the inside, there’s a heating element responsible for providing heat to the ceramic glass. It gives even heat without any hot or cold zones and allows heat to whatever utensil is kept above the hob. In addition, its safety functionality is beneficial as it indicates which ring is hot so that you’re safe from unfortunate circumstances.
A ceramic hob is much more expensive than the other hobs, but it’s totally worth the price due to its aesthetics and flat design. However, it doesn’t provide efficient heat and requires a little time to cool down entirely. On the other hand, this type of hob doesn’t require much maintenance and will still last for years. There are also many high-end options available in the market regarding ceramic hobs so that you can select the one according to your requirements.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Hob
Just like the halogen hobs, these ones also have a number of positive as well as negative aspects. Let’s have a look at them:
Pros
- Sleek and aesthetic looks
- Fit seamlessly onto the kitchen countertop
Cons
- Multiple heating elements
- Straightforward cleaning
- Easy maintenance
- Even heat without hot or cold zones
Which one is the best?
We studied and tested both ceramic and halogen hobs, and it turned out that a ceramic hob takes the edge. It features a streamlined, aesthetic look that goes perfectly with any kitchen. Ceramic hobs are powered by electricity and provide an even and quick heat across their surface. You will relish perfect cooking sessions every time you’re cooking with your ceramic hob.
The construction quality is also outstanding, with a stylish finish. It will fit seamlessly with your kitchen countertop without any gaps. The main advantage is that it consists of many heating elements underneath the cooktop, which are responsible for providing the ideal amount of heat required for your food. but still, it depends on your preference as what features you’ll like more.
| Hobs- | Halogen Hob | Ceramic Hob |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Heat | ✅ | ❌ |
| Energy-Efficient | ✅ | ❌ |
| Flexible cooking zones | ✅ | ✅ |
| Safe for kids | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sleek Look | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fit seamlessly | ✅ | ✅ |
| Easy Cleaning | ✅ | ✅ |
| Easy Maintenance | ❌ | ✅ |
