Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models include an element that radiates, Ovens And Hobs Uk which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is much faster 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 also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need 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 stoves are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on a full-color display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other hobs and ovens.
If you're considering building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.