Hobs come in many styles and types - from traditional square ones with gas burners, to the very latest, linear-style glass induction models. 

A hob doesn't necessarily have to sit above an oven, leaving you free to choose the most convenient place for it.

It's best to start your search by identifying the features you consider most important, such as style, number of heat zones or type of control panel.

Because of their simplicity, ceramic hobs look great in contemporary kitchens. The heating element sits beneath a flat ceramic glass plate and this conducts heat to the pans.

Available in a range of colours, ceramic hobs are easy to wipe clean. Many have touch sensor heat controls, giving an entirely flat surface for a sleek, modern look.

Most pans can be used on this type of hob, but flat bottomed ones are more efficient at transferring heat. Avoid dragging hot pans on ceramic hobs - as this may scratch them.

The heat source on a ceramic hob can be either: halogen lamp, ribbon element, standard radiant element or induction.

Halogen hobs: provide a constant cooking temperature, with heat distributed directly into the base of a flat bottomed pan. Fast to heat and quick to respond, they're best used with heavy based, non-shiny pans. This hob type cools rapidly. Halogen hobs tend to be sophisticated and therefore among the most expensive.

Radiant elements: provide an even heat, as do ribbon elements, which heat up more quickly. Use any type of cookware on these hobs, which are the cheapest hob option. They can be difficult to clean.

Induction hobs: heat the pan using a magnetic field, providing instant heat safely. They're the cheapest form of electric hob to run, although they cost more to buy. Pans must be made of ferrous metal, such as cast iron or stainless steel. To allow ventilation for the electro-magnets in the base of the hob, DO NOT fit induction hobs over working drawers.

IMPORTANT: induction hobs should NOT be used if you use a pacemaker.

Commonly made of a cast iron top with an electric heat element sealed inside. Usually one or two rings heat up more quickly, and these are marked with a large red dot in the centre.

Hotplates are inexpensive to buy, easy to clean and are suited to heavy-based, flat-bottomed pans. They are expensive to run because they heat quite slowly and offer poorer control. 

With a visible flame, good temperature range and controllability, gas remains the most popular hob type, although with more parts they are often harder to keep clean. Gas hobs have lower running costs compared to their electric counterparts but usually still require connection to the mains for their ignition systems. Gas hobs come in a range of finishes.

Gas hobs come with pan supports and these are made of dishwasher-proof enamelled steel, stainless steel or cast iron, which should be washed by hand.

IMPORTANT:

• If fitting a gas hob in a flat or rented accommodation it must have a flame failure device to automatically turn off the gas supply if the flame blows out.

• Some hobs include a glass lid that automatically cuts off the gas supply if lowered, but this IS NOT the same thing.

• Gas hobs must be fitted by a registered gas fitter.

• If your home isn’t connected to the gas mains, some hobs can run on bottled Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). LPG requires a different style of burner to natural gas, so check compatibility before you buy.

Hobs are not rated for their energy efficiency, but generally gas hobs are kinder to the environment than electric hobs - with the exception of induction hobs.

Heat transfer efficiency from hob to pan: 

Digital display: often combined with touch sensor controls; may show time and temperature.

Touch controls: operated with a light touch, most hobs with this feature are frameless or borderless - so are easy to clean as dirt can't get trapped.

Timer: allows rings to be programmed to switch on and off automatically.

Residual heat indicator: will show cooking zones that are above a certain temperature.

Child lock: stops children easily switching on the controls.

Flame failure: detects when no heat is generated and automatically stops gas flow.

X-Lo or simmer burner: automatically turns on and off at set intervals to keep a sauce warm without boiling.

Adaptable for LPG: these are for any homeowner who lives beyond the gas mains.