5 Tools That Everyone In The Oven Hob Industry Should Be Using
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for hob Uk features like rotary, touch or position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of an flammable natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other modern ovens hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
A range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match most kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options that will suit your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.