Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. They allow you to control the heating zones at the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan 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 great for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. 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 utilize flammable natural gas 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 quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be problematic if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs uk also require frequent maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have the right cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized 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.
There are a range of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's position on a full-color display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps 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 with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for magnetic flux density set 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 uk electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black style. Some have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For instance, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around you.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other best hobs uk.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.