10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Hobs

A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.

Types of hobs

The stove top, kitchen hob and oven or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare various meals, and as such it is essential to choose the right type of hob and oven for your cooking style. There is a hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who likes precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.

Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safer since they come with safety systems to prevent flame failure that stop the gas supply in case of leaks. However, they're less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.

Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware, and they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer since there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or not.

They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The latter are the better choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to put in and might require you to rip out the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.

They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.

Some gas hobs have an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply once the flame goes out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally igniting a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.

Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the usual features of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 at all while operating.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.

Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for parents who have children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired if damaged.

Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used to cook with any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.

It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the grates and burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect that there is a problem. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid severe damage. This will also help to avoid any accidental fires or spills!

Induction hobs

A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up quicker than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.

Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which 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 zone. Most hobs have a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be more secure since the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get very hot.

The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic one is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have an all-inclusive display that displays all the options available, and allows you to easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils, tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will sense when you place your pan. It then activates the coil to fit the pan's size and shape.

All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances as well such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, hobs uk to get your kitchen running just as it should.