Types of oven and hob hob (just click the following page)
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as rotary or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind 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 feature an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models use the halogen element, which is more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special care when cleaning ovens and hobs using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preference and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible however they require 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.
There are a range of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob and oven via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best hob uk electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some models have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is configured with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
Check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven and hob hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.