Types of oven and hob Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are combining style and best hobs Uk functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have 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 variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects 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 standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models have the option of combining two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction best hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
There are a few aspects to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is configured with the right cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions ovens and hobs discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.