Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven (Learn Even more) that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a problem for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Gas best hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to have a base that is magnetic. 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs available, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays with a full menu of operation. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best oven electric hobs are sleek and designed to match most kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.