The Next Big New Hobs Industry

A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.

Electric hobs heat up with a variety of 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six power levels. It can take a few minutes for them to heat up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

Every home is incomplete without an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food). It is used for a variety cooking methods, and it's essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. If you're a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a cooker that will meet your requirements.

Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety systems to prevent fire failures that will shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. They can be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.

Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat-topped top with electric or gas rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.

Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan, instead of heating the surface like 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 cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs and ovens are a common choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or not.

They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models and are therefore ideal for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are the Best place to buy oven and hob choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have an energy boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%.

Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.

Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits zero CO2.

Electric hobs

A common choice for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other types of cooker. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families with children, as they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be replaced if damaged.

As opposed to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to heat directly the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, however, they will save money over the long run because of their efficiency.

It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. It's best to call a professional gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. Always ensure that the hob has cooled completely before cleaning to prevent any serious damage. This will also help to prevent any accidental spills or fires!

Induction hobs

A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other types of stoves, and will reduce energy consumption over the course of. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.

Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many have reported reductions in their overall energy bills when they change to one. They are also considered to be more secure since the cooktop surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can be extremely hot.

Most induction hobs come with various control options that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display which displays all the options and allows you to change power levels or set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils, tightly connected beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It then activates the required coil to match the pan's shape and size.

All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.