On The Hob

One of our readers Justine has written in asking “What type of saucepan should I use on an induction hob?”

Thanks for the message Justine, we discussed how to pick the perfect saucepan previously here

But I’ll try to go into a bit more information on Induction hobs here.

So what is an induction hob?

An induction hob uses induction to cook, therefore pans must be conductive.  This is because the hob itself doesn’t become hot or create heat.  Only the pan is heated through conduction.

This makes Induction hobs very energy efficient – Pick up the pan off the hob and energy stops being used (on many models).  Also heat is not wasted by going into the air as the pan itself is being heated directly.

They are very quick to heat aswell, depending on the cookers wattage a stirfry pan could be ready for cooking in as little as 10 minutes.

Saucepans.

For an induction hob to work the saucepan sits on top of the hob where it conducts heat.  The best saucepans benefit from being flat bottomed as they have more contact with the hob.

Saucepans must be ferromagnetic in order to conduct the heat.  Aluminium and other non magnetic materials will not work on an induction hob.

As Induction hobs heat very quickly beware of thin saucepans, as a sharp burst of heat could burn food.

Our Saucepan picks

There are many saucepans which work with induction hobs as this is becoming a very popular hob type as people convert from gas.

Here are two

Le Creuset Cast Iron 3 Piece Saucepan Set, Granite

The Le Creuset Cast Iron Saucepan set is perfect for use on a induction hob.  The enamelled finish makes these saucepans incredibly durable. Click here to read more and buy

Meyer Circulon Infinite Cookware Set, 5 Piece

Meyer are a well known Saucepan manufacturer with a great reputation.  These heavy gauge Hard Anodised pans are perfect for Induction hobs.  Click here to read more and buy from Amazon UK

Thanks for your question Justine I hope this helps.

Do you have a kitchen dilemma, contact us here and let us help!

Christmas will soon be upon us.  Struggling to find the perfect present for someone?  Kitchen gifts are always well received and needed.  Below we’ve run down some of the top Christmas gifts of 2008 for the Kitchen.

Under £20

Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener

The Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener is a really useful gift to give or receive this Christmas.  Many people both young and old can have trouble opening jars.  This does it for you.  We featured the One Touch Automatic Jar Opener previously On The Hob, Click here to read the article

Ginger Cat Crumb Pet Novelty Tabletop Vacuum Cleaner

The Ginger Cat tabletop vacuum cleaner is a fun gift perfect for an office secret Santa falling just under the £5 mark.  Also practical too as it vacuums up left over crumbs to keep your surfaces clear!

Screwpull By Le Creuset Waiter Friend

The Waiters friend by Screwpull and Le Creuset is a must have for any wine enthusiast.  Small enough to fit in your pocket but also big enough to open any bottle this is a great gift for the home wine lover or for the professional waiter.

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker

Bialetti are leaders in the Manufacturing of Stovetop Espresso makers.  The Moka Express Espresso maker comes in different sizes.  A stovetop espresso maker is a gift that keeps giving as there’s nothing like a freshly made coffee in the morning.

Under £50

Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set

The Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set is perfect for anyone who wants to prepare good food quickly.  With this 10 piece set they can be enjoying stir frys in no time.

George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill

The George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill is the perfect gift for anyone interested in healthy eating.  Its two grill plates cooking both sides of the food half cooking time.  The sloped grill also lets fat drain off creating a healthy dish.  Even better once you have finished eating no hard cleaning as the grill plates are removable and dishwasher safe.

Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 Pce Block Set

Kitchen Knives are often forgotten but good knives make a real difference to you in the Kitchen.  Help someone start the new year with the Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 piece Knife block set.  These knives have unique hardened flexible corrosion resistant stainless steel blades and man made riveted handles for comfort and cleanliness.

Under £100

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces,

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces. There’s nothing better than having a complete set of Saucepans.  We have already featured this amazing set of 5 Hard Anodised Marco Pierre White pans On the Hob, Click here to read the article

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser.  There’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread and with this bread maker you can bring that to your home!  Once you taste your own bread you won’t want to go back to the supermarkets!

Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer

The Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer features 4 compartments which you can set at different heats.  Steamers are great gifts as by steaming the food rather than boiling the flavour isn’t lost into the water, giving you all the goodness from the vegetables and flavour you didn’t think was possible.

Over £100

Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer

The Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer is a revolutionary deep fat fryer.  When frying the the Actifry gently turns the food allowing healthy frying by using the minimum amount of oil.  Just one spoonful is needed for 1kg of chips!

Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

The Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino uses the Nespresso pod system to give you a fresh tasting perfect cup of coffee every time.  This is the perfect gift set as it includes the Aeroccino allowing you to froth milk for the perfect cappuccino or Latte.

De'Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker

The De’Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker is the king of Delonghi coffee makers.  This machine does everything!  It will operate with Beans (internal burr grinder) or ground coffee.  It also has a milk jug and can create the perfect Cappuccino at just one press of a button.

Those are our choices of perfect presents for the Kitchen this year but what are yours?  Have you bought a kitchen gift for a friend?  have you asked for one?  Let us know what your perfect Kitchen Christmas Present is by leaving us a comment – Just click comments at the top of this article.

Marco Pierre White has teamed up with leading kitchen brand Russell Hobbs to create a range of professionally inspired products,  perfect for both  the ‘at home chef’, or anyone who needs a helping hand in the kitchen.

Marco Pierre White, and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set

“I have worked closely with Russell Hobbs to design and develop a range of professionally inspired small domestic appliances to help make life easier for you in the kitchen and create your ideal dishes. When you try them I am confident you’ll notice the difference” - Marco Pierre White

Contents

• 14 cm double lipped milk pan with cast handle
• 16 cm saucepan with metal lid and cast handle
• 18 cm saucepan with metal lid and cast handle
• 20 cm sauce pan with metal lid and cast handle
• 24 cm forged frying pan (5mm) with cast handle

The Technology

• Thermolon is a Polymer hybrid nano-composite non-stick coating
• Worlds first in non-stick technology
• Durable and highly scratch resistant
• Quick and even heat distribution
• It does not contain PTFE which is a 60 year old non-stick technology
• It does not contain PFOA which is used to make PTFE.
• Thermolon non-stick is high resistant up to 450 degrees centigrade
• Thermolon uses significantly less C02 (Up to 50%) less at the point of application than other non-sticks
• Thermolon does not release Green House gases into the atmosphere
• No toxic fumes are released if overheated
• Oven safe
• Suitable for all hobs except induction

Click here to buy Marco Pierre White Hard Anodised Cookware Set