Cooktop vs. Hob — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 17, 2024
Cooktop is a flat cooking surface with burners, while hob is the top part of a stove where pots and pans are heated.
Difference Between Cooktop and Hob
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cooktop, often referred to as a stovetop or cooktop range, is a flat surface equipped with heating elements, which can be electric coils, induction burners, or gas burners. It's designed to be installed into a countertop and is separate from the oven. On the other hand, a hob is the top part of a stove, range, or cooker, where pots and pans are placed for cooking. The term is more commonly used in British English, while "cooktop" is often used in American English.
Cooktops provide a versatile and accessible cooking area, with different zones for cooking at various temperatures simultaneously. They are available in various sizes and styles to accommodate different kitchen layouts and cooking needs. Hobs can be gas, electric, or induction and are integral to the cooker, sharing the same unit as the oven. The hob is essentially the cooking surface, featuring burners or heating elements where the actual cooking takes place.
While both cooktops and hobs serve the primary function of providing a space for cooking using pots and pans, the key difference lies in their configuration and integration within the kitchen. Cooktops are separate units installed into countertops, often above an under-counter oven or as a standalone feature, offering flexibility in kitchen design. Hobs, in contrast, are part of a larger appliance that includes the oven, making them a more compact and integrated solution for cooking.
The choice between a cooktop and a hob often depends on kitchen layout, design preferences, and cooking habits. Cooktops offer more flexibility in terms of placement and are ideal for larger kitchens with ample countertop space. Hobs, being part of a range or cooker, are well-suited for smaller kitchens or for those who prefer a more traditional, integrated look.
Despite these differences, modern kitchen designs and technologies have blurred the lines between cooktops and hobs, with both offering advanced features such as precise temperature controls, timers, and safety features. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, kitchen layout, and cooking needs.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Flat cooking surface with heating elements, installed into a countertop.
Top part of a stove or cooker with burners, integrated with the oven.
Installation
Separate from the oven, offering flexibility in kitchen design.
Part of a larger appliance, typically integrated with the oven.
Common Use
Used in kitchens with ample countertop space or specific design needs.
Used in compact kitchens or where an integrated look is preferred.
Types
Gas, electric, induction.
Gas, electric, induction.
Terminology
More common in American English.
More common in British English.
Compare with Definitions
Cooktop
Designed to be installed into countertops, separate from the oven.
The new kitchen design includes an island with a built-in cooktop.
Hob
Part of a stove or cooker, sharing the same unit as the oven.
The compact apartment kitchen features a stove with an integrated hob.
Cooktop
Offers more layout options in the kitchen.
The electric cooktop allows for flexible kitchen arrangement without the need for a gas line.
Hob
Common in traditional and compact kitchen layouts.
The gas hob on the cooker is efficient for their small kitchen space.
Cooktop
Available with gas burners, electric coils, or induction surfaces.
The induction cooktop provides fast and efficient heating.
Hob
Suitable for smaller kitchens or integrated appliance preferences.
The electric hob and oven combo is perfect for their studio apartment.
Cooktop
Ideal for larger kitchens with ample countertop space.
Their spacious kitchen accommodates a large gas cooktop with multiple burners.
Hob
More commonly referred to as a "hob" in British English.
The recipe suggests placing the pan on the hob to simmer.
Cooktop
Requires specific installation, often above an under-counter oven.
The cooktop is installed over the built-in oven, saving space.
Hob
Features burners or heating elements for pots and pans.
The ceramic hob is easy to clean and maintain.
Cooktop
A cooktop, also known as hob, is a device commonly used for cooking that is commonly found in kitchens and used to apply heat to the base of pans or pots. Cooktops are often found integrated with an oven into a kitchen stove but may also be standalone devices.
Hob
A shelf or projection at the back or side of a fireplace, used for keeping food or utensils warm.
Cooktop
A flat cooking surface making up the top of a stove or built into a countertop, usually having electric heating elements covered by a sheet of glass.
Hob
A tool used for cutting the teeth of machine parts, as of a gearwheel.
Cooktop
An assembly of burners for cooking, designed to fit onto a surface such as the top of a table
Hob
Chiefly British A hobgoblin, sprite, or elf.
Hob
Mischievous behavior.
Hob
A kind of cutting tool, used to cut the teeth of a gear.
Hob
(historical) The flat projection or iron shelf at the side of a fire grate, where things are put to be kept warm.
Hob
The top cooking surface on a cooker; a cooktop. It typically comprises several cooking elements (often four), also known as 'rings'.
Hob
A rounded peg used as a target in several games, especially in quoits.
Hob
A male ferret.
Hob
The hub of a wheel.
Hob
(obsolete) A fairy; a sprite; an elf; a bogey.
Hob
(obsolete) A countryman; a rustic or yokel.
Hob
(transitive) To create (a gear) by cutting with a hob.
Hob
(intransitive) To engage in the process of cutting gears with a hob.
Hob
The hub of a wheel. See Hub.
Hob
The flat projection or iron shelf at the side of a fire grate, where things are put to be kept warm.
Hob
A threaded and fluted hardened steel cutter, resembling a tap, used in a lathe for forming the teeth of screw chasers, worm wheels, etc.
Hob
A peg, pin, or mark used as a target in some games, as an iron pin in quoits; also, a game in which such a target is used.
Hob
A fairy; a sprite; an elf.
From elves, hobs, and fairies, . . . Defend us, good Heaven !
Hob
A countryman; a rustic; a clown.
Hob
The male ferret.
Hob
(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
Hob
(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
Hob
A hard steel edge tool used to cut gears
Hob
A shelf beside an open fire where something can be kept warm
Hob
Cut with a hob
Common Curiosities
Are hobs more energy-efficient than cooktops?
Energy efficiency depends more on the technology (gas, electric, induction) rather than whether it's a hob or cooktop. Induction models are generally the most energy-efficient.
Are induction cooktops better than gas hobs?
The choice between induction cooktops and gas hobs depends on personal preference and cooking style; induction offers precise temperature control, while gas allows for quick heat adjustments.
Are cooktops safer than hobs?
Safety features vary across different models and types of cooktops and hobs, with induction being considered generally safer due to its cool-to-touch surface.
Can you have a cooktop without an oven?
Yes, a cooktop is designed to function independently of an oven, allowing for more flexible kitchen layouts.
Is a hob the same as a stove?
A hob is part of a stove or cooker, specifically the flat surface with burners, while a stove can include both the hob and the oven.
Are there portable cooktops or hobs?
Yes, there are portable models of both cooktops and hobs, often used for outdoor cooking or in small living spaces.
Can you install a cooktop in any countertop?
Most countertops can accommodate a cooktop, but it's essential to ensure the material can withstand heat and the countertop is cut to the cooktop's specifications.
Can a hob be used for baking?
The hob itself is used for stovetop cooking; baking requires an oven, which may be part of the same unit as the hob in a stove or cooker.
How do you clean a glass hob?
Glass hobs can be cleaned with special cleaners and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
Can you replace a hob independently of the oven?
In built-in units, replacing just the hob can be challenging and depends on the design of the stove or cooker. Freestanding units usually require replacing the entire unit.
Do professional chefs prefer cooktops or hobs?
Professional chefs might have preferences based on the type of cooking they do, with some preferring the flexibility of cooktops and others the traditional setup of a stove with a hob.
Do cooktops require special installation?
Yes, cooktops require a specific cut-out in the countertop and appropriate electrical or gas connections.
Can hobs have integrated grills or griddles?
Yes, some hobs come with integrated grills or griddles as additional features for more versatile cooking.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
