In the modern kitchen, the built-in hob is the perfect culinary partner, making your cooking passion come to life. But even the finest appliance can lose its charm and efficiency without care. From sizzling stir-fries to slow-cooked delicacies, your hob works hard. Shouldn’t it get the care it deserves in return?

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weekend home cook, learning how to clean and maintain your hob isn’t just about hygiene, it’s about preserving performance, safety and style. Let’s dive into a practical yet essential guide to keeping your hob spotless, powerful and looking as stunning as the day it was installed.

1. Daily Cleaning

Your first defence against damage is cleaning the hob right after use. Let the surface cool down completely before you begin. Then wipe off the surface using a soft cloth with warm soapy water. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, especially if your hob has features like premium frosted glass, which can get scratched easily.

To avoid water spots, you must dry the surface thoroughly using a microfiber cloth, especially around metallic areas such as the hob’s knobs and pan supports.

Tip: Use a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water to dissolve stubborn stains naturally, then clean it with a soft cloth.

2. Burner Care

Burners are central to any kitchen hob, and when they are dirty or clogged, they interfere with the cooking process’s efficiency and flame characteristics. Most models, including KAFF’s Series Ashford, have high-efficiency burners made from full brass and include FFD (Flame Failure Devices). 

• To clean, remove the burners regularly, once a week, and place them in warm water with mild detergent for 15 minutes.

• Use a soft brush to remove all the grime and ensure the gas holes aren’t clogged.
  
• Avoid prying or poking the holes with sharp objects, which can deform or damage them.
  
• Dry thoroughly before placing them back to prevent rusting.
  

Series Alton black-coated brass burners look good and are more durable. You will just need to take care of their coating, and for that, you only need to clean them with care.

3. Knob Maintenance

Designer anti-slip metal knobs, like those in KAFF’s premium ranges, are functional and stylish. However, grime can easily get into them and make them feel sticky or difficult to turn.

• Remove the knobs carefully and wipe them with a damp cloth.
  
• Avoid soaking them directly in water, especially if they have rubber or plastic fittings.
  
• Use cotton swabs or toothpicks to clean underneath and around the knob base.
  

Knobs with ergonomic designs, such as those in the Preston and Ashford series, should turn smoothly and without resistance. Regular maintenance keeps them operating like new.

4. Pan Support and Flame Protector

Heavy-duty cast iron pan supports, with integrated flame protectors, are built to bear the weight of heavy utensils and ensure even heat distribution. However, food spills can cause build-up over time, leading to uneven cooking or a smoky kitchen.

• Soak supports in warm soapy water once weekly and scrub with a non-abrasive brush.
  
• For burnt-on stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub gently.
  
• Dry thoroughly to avoid rusting or corrosion.
  

If your hobs for the kitchen include matt enamelled or bevelled edge pan support (like those in Alton or Ashford), avoid metal scrapers that may damage the protective coating.

5. Glass and Edge Maintenance

Modern hobs feature elegant materials like frosted glass, bevelled edges, and decorative black edge strips. While these elevate the kitchen’s visual appeal, they are also prone to fingerprint marks, water stains, and scratches.

Modern hobs have pretty glass materials, polished edges, and black edge stripers. They look great, but understandably can lead to oily fingerprints, water stains, and scratches.

• Clean with a glass cleaner or, if you do it yourself, with a vinegar-water solution.
  
• Wipe it with a lint-free microfiber cloth, and you will also avoid streaks in circular movements.
  
• Make sure food doesn’t get trapped under decorative strips on the edges. To clean the corners using a soft brush.
  

KAFF’s thoughtful detailing, such as edge protection strips and glass front panels, is not just for looks; it adds safety and resilience when cared for properly.

6. Use with Care

Beyond cleaning, how you use your hob daily also affects its longevity.

• Avoid dragging heavy pots across the glass surface to prevent scratches.
  
• Use flat-bottomed cookware that fits the burner size to maximise flame efficiency.
  
• Always cook on medium flame unless required, which saves gas and extends burner life.
  
• Don’t spill acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar near knobs or burners, as they can corrode metal parts.
  

These simple practices, when combined with regular maintenance, help preserve even the most premium features, from designer knobs to full brass burners.

7. Annual Deep Cleaning and Professional Check-Up

A yearly deep clean is necessary even if you follow a daily and weekly cleaning regimen. You can use specialised cleaning agents designed for kitchen hobs or hire a professional for deep servicing.

During this check-up, ensure:

• All gas connections are leak-free.
  
• Burners are functioning at peak efficiency.
  
• The digital timer (if your hob has one, like in the Preston series) is calibrated correctly.
  

A qualified technician will check whether the FFD (flame failure device) is functioning properly, which is a necessary safety device in higher-end models.

When maintaining your built-in hob, you want it to look great, but you also want to keep your kitchen safe and functional while looking great. Today’s popular brands like KAFF make modern hobs with performance features such as FFD brass burners, glass tops, ergonomic knobs (and the list goes on). While your hob is built to perform to a high standard (which sets it apart), its lifespan largely relies on what you’re doing to maintain it.

So, treat your kitchen with the same care and attention you give your favourite cookware. Regular cleaning, mindful usage and occasional professional servicing will ensure your hob delivers seamless performance for years, making every meal a joy to cook.

FAQs

What’s the best way to clean the burners and grates? 

Soak the burners and grates in warm, soapy water for a few hours. After a few hours, scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush. Make sure it is dry before you put it back together. 

Can I use chemical cleaners on my hob?

You can use a mild or non-abrasive cleaner for cleaning; some cleaners are fine. Don’t use harsher cleaners that can attack glass, coatings or metal finishes. 

How do I prevent scratches on the glass surface?

Use a gentle cleaner with a soft microfibre cloth. Don’t use metal scrubbers or drag pots across the stovetop. 

When should I have my hob serviced by a professional?

Service the hob at least once a year, but if you notice a weaker flame, a gas smell, or faulty ignition, you should definitely service it sooner. 

How often should I be cleaning my built-in hob?

You should wipe it down after use every day and do a deep clean on the burners and grates at least once a week.