Both induction hobs and gas hobs are popular in commercial kitchens. While each choice has associated positives and negatives, choosing the right type of hob for your commercial kitchen is vital if you want to serve the highest-possible quality of food.
To help you decide whether a gas hob or a commercial induction hob is right for you, we’ve put together this handy guide.
Induction vs gas hobs: What’s the difference?
Although they’ve been around since the 1970s, induction hobs have only recently grown in prominence.
Induction hobs use electromagnetism to heat and cook food. When the hob is switched on, a high frequency alternating magnetic field is created between the element and the pan. The electromagnetic field then travels into the pan and generates a current. This current then generates heat that is transferred to the food.
By contrast, with a gas hob, gas is released through the burner rings when you turn the knob. This gas is then ignited by a lighter spark.
Pros of gas hobs
Gas hobs are preferred by top chefs. This is partially because gas hobs are easier to control and allow you to cook with more precision. Because you can control the size of the flame using the knob, you can go from a roaring flame to a small flame that’s perfect for simmering in less than a second.
Pros of induction hobs
Induction hobs are popular because they get up to temperature far quicker than gas hobs. Plus, they’re also incredibly easy to clean and they’re more efficient.
On top of this, while the heat is easier to control with a gas hob, the heat of an induction hob can still be controlled with the touch of a button. This means that you can ensure the temperature you’re cooking at is exactly the same with each batch of food. That said, varying the temperature (such as a sauce going from boiling to simmering) does take longer.
Induction vs gas hobs: Which is best for me?
In deciding whether a gas hob or an induction hob is best for your commercial kitchen, you need to decide the dishes you’d like to cook, the quantity you need to cook in and how quickly you need to heat each dish.
If you’d like some help understanding which hob is best for your commercial kitchen, speak to our catering experts today.