A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of best ovens and hobs today.

Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.

Types of hobs

Every home should have the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance that can roast and bake food items). It is used for a variety of cooking techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook seeking speed.

Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring which is ideal for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have an even surface that makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heat and provide precise control. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety mechanisms for fire failures that stop the gas supply in case of leaks. However, they are less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean due to the pan supports and burners.

Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the traditional hobs. They are safer, as there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.

Gas hobs

A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you whether the burner is on or off.

They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a company that generates renewable energy sources.

There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.

They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls and some have a a power boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs and ovens can be cheaper to run than electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.

It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 while in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a conventional gas model while emitting no CO2.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families with children, since they aren't likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired if damaged.

As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money in the long term due to their efficiency.

Despite their simple design, it is important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid damage that could be serious, always ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also stop any accidental spills and fires!

Induction hobs

The modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features such as automatic shut off to prevent accidents.

Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can connect two zones to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be more secure since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and pose a burn hazard.

Most induction cooktops come with different types of controls that are the simplest being the simple power bar or touch mark that is placed on the surface of the best hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all the options, and lets you adjust the power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include many small copper coils tightly grouped together below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the moment you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.

All of our best ovens and hobs uk and hobs can be purchased as stand-alone models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen appliances for a seamless and sleek look. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure you check out our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running just as it should.