Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.

Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. They let you control the heating zones at the touch of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.

A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.

It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.

Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.

The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized base. 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 a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The best ovens and hobs electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to complement most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For instance, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.

There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.

If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.