Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more efficient. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated construction does require special attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge when you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and oven uk is easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel ovens and hobs non-stick, must 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.
A range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best hobs uk out of them. They may also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven and hob hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.