Gas or Ceramic Hob

TraceyB_2

We are looking to install a new kitchen and I cant decide whether to have a gas hob or a ceramic one?

So far my only argument for a ceramic one is that it will probably be easier to clean than a gas one.

From a cooking point of view, I have only ever had gas so dont know if there is any difference with electric.

Does anyone else have any fors or againsts!?

TIA

TomsMom

I've only ever had gas in my home but have used electric hobs on holiday.

If you are used to gas then my suggestion would be either stick to gas as you know how easy and controllable it is or go for an induction (not ceramic) hob. Induction hobs are apparently as controllable as gas and as quick to respond and have the nice flat glass surface. You need special/magnetic pans so copper bottomed or aluminium pans wont do and you may need to buy new ones.

However, generally induction hobs are more expensive to buy than gas hobs.

I've just had this exact same dilema as I am renovating a house and will need to decide which to buy. I've decided to stick to gas as in 40 years of having gas cookers/hobs I have never had anything go wrong. Induction hobs, on the other hand, are fairly new and possibly not been around long enough for anyone to say they will last X number of years or be trouble free or how much a repair might cost.

Peartree

I always had gas hobs so when I moved to this house was very disappointed to find a ceramic hob. However, I soon got used to it and like ceramic so much I'm replacing it with another ceramic. I think it depends on the type of cooking you do - if you are do a lot of recipes on the hob that need very quick increases or decreases in temperature, I guess you might prefer gas? I've cooked pretty much everything on the ceramic and haven't had any problems.

I also love the fact that it is incredibly easy to clean and when it is turned off it is another flat worktop space - an a heatproof one at that.

I don't know much about induction hobs (but I'd say they've been around for a fair while now so are pretty reliable) but the ceramic hob I'm just replacing is, I reckon, about 15 years old. It isn't broken, I'm just updating the kitchen. And it is much easier to swap over the hobs if there is no gas involved! You might want to factor in the installation costs.

coolagarry

I would also go for ceramic. If you are used to the instant control of gas then it is slightly different but you soon get used to it and allow for the cooling down period into your cooking. It's nice and clean. I suppose the biggest disadvantage is that it is not as hard wearing as gas and (at least in my case) tends to need replacing now and then - my previous one lasted for 8yrs but then developed a crack and so had to be replaced.

Emmalou

I've recently had a Neff induction hob fitted and I absolutely love it. It is so much easier to clean that my old gas hob (how I hated cleaning that!) and it seems just as responsive as gas.
Just give it a wipe over and it comes up like new!

Chewbumpkin

I've had a Siemens induction hob for over three years and it still looks as though it has just been fitted.

It's as fast and as controllable as gas, easy to clean (because the glass stays cool where the pan isn't, spillages do not burn on), the controls are touch sensitive, so no knobs, and looks fantastic. I will never go back to gas or standard electric.

No, it won't work with copper or aluminium pans, but more and more ranges suitable for induction are coming on the market. I got a set of Judge saucepans free with my hob . Other similar offers may be around. For what it's worth, enamelled steel will work well as well, and they can be bought very cheaply as a starter set.

daveyjp

Gas - it's a cheaper fuel than electricity. All our gas hob fittings go in the dishwasher and they come out like new. Enamelled top also comes up clean every time.

eilidh_s

I just bought an electorlux range at has three gas burners, two ceramic burners and a "warming area" I couldn't decde what to go for either so that was the perfect solutionfor me.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I prefer gas as it's more responsive.I know ceramic is easier to clean but it's how it cooks should be your first priority.I just never got the results I wanted with my ceramic hob.

adaze

Gas for me too, however gas hobs look more "imposing" than others, and are indeed harder to clean, they cook second to none though. Having said that, if I had the money I'd go for induction.

Becles

I had gas in my old house and ceramic here!

I didn't like the ceramic at first but once I got used to cooking on it, it was fine. It's a doddle to clean compared to the gas hob and you can put things on it when it's turned off. It's handy for standing casserole dishes, baking tins etc., on straight out of the oven.

If I was buying again, I would go for ceramic.