A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up before cooling down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare all manner of meals, and as such, it's important that you choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who likes precision or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs are frameless, flat design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. They are also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there is leak. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular option for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. There are usually models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to run than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because you can easily relocate them later. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have an energy boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame is gone, so you don't risk accidentally causing a fire. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. Fortunately, there are models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the features that are typical of a traditional gas model however they don't emit CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of all types, electric hobs offer numerous advantages over other types of cookers. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs oven. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain 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, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for parents who have children, as they're unlikely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be replaced in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs however they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as well as making sure to replace any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates and burner caps regularly. It's also important to look out for any signs of gas odour, as it could indicate an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best hobs to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the burner is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of an electric field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other types of hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and most have safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire danger.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob uk. Some have an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature many copper coils of varying sizes that are placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet under each coil is able to detect when the pan is positioned. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen appliances for a seamless and sleek look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning exactly as it should.