A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
ovens hobs and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs of different types
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance that can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for your needs. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply if there's a leak. However, they're less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They have a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the Best place to buy oven and hob choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. They aren't easy to install, and may require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs, they're still equipped with the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but don't emit any CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all types electric hobs have many advantages over other types of cooker. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat remains behind after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families with children, since they aren't likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it's important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any severe damage. This will also stop any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use a magnetic field to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other types of stoves, and can help you save energy over the course of time. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a "bridging zone" that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can become very hot and can pose a fire risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control options. The most basic one is a simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Some have an all-inclusive display that displays all options and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils, tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen units to create an elegant and seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to look over our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.