A hob and a stove are both kitchen appliances used for cooking, but they refer to different components of a cooking setup.
Hob:
- A hob, also known as a cooktop, is the flat cooking surface on which you place your pots and pans. It can be standalone or built into a kitchen counter. Hobs come in various types, such as gas, electric, induction, or ceramic. Each type has its own method of heating and temperature control. Hobs typically have multiple cooking zones or burners, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Stove:
- The term "stove" can be used in different ways, but it is often used interchangeably with "range" or "oven range." A stove or range combines a hob (cooktop) and an oven in one unit. So, while the hob provides the cooking surface, the stove includes the hob and an oven, allowing you to bake, roast, broil, and perform other cooking techniques that require enclosed, controlled heating.
To summarize, a hob is just the flat cooking surface where you place your pots and pans, while a stove is a combination of a hob and an oven in a single appliance. In some regions, the term "stove" may be used to refer to the hob or cooktop alone, but it's essential to clarify the context to avoid confusion.