Types of oven hob (such a good point)
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hob such as electric, gas, ovens and hobs uk induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch ovens and hobs uk controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to 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 zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or a pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction ovens hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An electric current that is alternating is passed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and oven more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible magnetic base. 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your 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 density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best hobs electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. For example they cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
But, there are a few things to consider when selecting an induction hob - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.