Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models include an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is crucial 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 pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob and oven, often known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob uk to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be problematic when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences 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 choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need a 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob and oven using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the correct breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering 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 any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.