In the UK, the terms "hob" and "cooker" are used to refer to different parts of a cooking appliance:
Hob: In the UK, a hob refers to the flat cooking surface on a stove that contains the burners or heating elements. It is the part of the cooking appliance where you place your pots and pans to cook food. Hobs can come in various types, such as gas hobs, electric hobs, ceramic hobs, or induction hobs. Each type of hob has its own heating method and advantages.
Cooker: In the UK, a cooker is a broader term used to describe the entire cooking appliance, which typically includes the hob and the oven. It is a self-contained unit that provides both stovetop cooking (on the hob) and oven cooking capabilities in one appliance. Cookers can be standalone units or built into kitchen units, and they come in various sizes and configurations to suit different kitchen layouts and cooking needs.
In summary, a hob is the cooking surface with burners or heating elements, while a cooker is a complete cooking appliance that includes both the hob and the oven. When someone in the UK refers to a "cooker," they generally mean the whole appliance, but when they mention a "hob," they are specifically referring to the stovetop cooking surface.