Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are a variety of 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 stop them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a 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 to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs uk that feature dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can 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 no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the temperature. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge if you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of corrosion and leaks. This is why it is essential to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction ovens hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to 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 stoves is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven with hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is configured with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.