A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs are heated by different looking 'Cooking Efficiency rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Every home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food). It is used to prepare all manner of meals and for this reason it's crucial to select the best ovens and hobs uk hob for your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. However, they are less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They feature a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron as they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan, instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you if the burner is on or off.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best hobs uk choice since they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, which makes them easier to clean. They usually have sleek stainless steel trims, that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the power of a particular burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric ones, and permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for eco-conscious customers. There are models that emit no CO2 when in use. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the standard features of traditional gas models however they don't emit CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a popular choice for those with children, as they're unlikely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be replaced in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates and burner caps regularly. Be on the lookout for gas odours as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect that there is a problem. Make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any serious damage. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs, and they can save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features like automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible pans must have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can be extremely hot.
The majority of induction hobs have various control options with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that displays all options, and lets you adjust the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils that are tightly placed under the cooktop. the magnet underneath each one will detect when you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or neatly integrated with your kitchen units to create an elegant and seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances as well such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.