Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?
Ovens hobs are a vital kitchen appliance however it can be difficult to decide which type is the best oven for your needs. If you're in search of electric, gas or induction hobs, we'll help you to make the right choice.
Available in a variety of styles such as ceramic and induction domino hobs give you a versatile cooking experience. Choose between one or two zones of heat and mix the models to meet your requirements. For example, a ceramic section can be paired with a separate section for gas.
Gas
Gas hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that is used by both professionals and home cooks. This type of hob is known for its speed and versatility. It utilizes propane or natural gas to create a flame that is used to heat pots and pans. The design of a gas hob typically features several burners, which can be controlled by an adjustable knob that allows you to adjust the intensity and temperature of the flame. This degree of control makes a gas stove an excellent option for cooking techniques that require delicate control such as simmering and boiling.
Additionally, a gas hob's sleek aesthetic contributes to an elegant kitchen design and its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Gas hobs are great for counters with smaller spaces because they don't protrude. However, one of the major drawbacks of a gas stove is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline and a dedicated fuel source that can add costs.
Gas stoves are made with safety in mind as the top priority. They come with flame failure devices which automatically shut off gas supply if the flame goes out. This feature is important for households with pets or young children, as it protects against carbon monoxide poisoning as well as fire. Modern hobs oven also come with automatic shut-offs that stop the flow of gas in case there is an unintentional electrical short circuit or surge.
Find a Gas Safe Registered Fitter prior to purchasing a new gas stove to ensure the installation is completed properly and that your stove conforms to all safety guidelines. Doing the installation or repair of the gas hob yourself can cause leaks, fire hazards, and potential health risks.
As a result, it is crucial to think about the long-term costs of a kitchen appliance prior to making a final purchase. For example, an electric hob may be more efficient than a gas hob, because it directs heat to your cookware. Many electric hobs come with features like automatic shut-offs and pan detection, which makes them more secure than gas counterparts.
Induction
Induction cooktops employ electromagnetism instead of conduction to heat your pan. This allows induction cooktops to warm up faster, more precisely and efficiently. This also means less energy is wasted since heat is transferred to the pan by the magnetic field and not from a heated resistance coil or open flame.
Induction stoves can be a challenge to get the hang of initially. They require a specific kind of cookware that's compatible with the heating technology: flat-bottomed ferrromagnetic cookware and pots. The majority of modern kitchenware will work, but older pans and pots might not, unless you utilize an induction interface disk. The interface disk is positioned over the existing cookware to create a magnetic surface. This allows the burners to interact with your cookware. Induction cooktops may not be as hot on your hands as traditional electric or gas cooktops, but they still can burn your hand if you sit too long on the surface.
Another disadvantage is that the cooking surface is unable to turn on if your cookware isn't sitting on it as an important safety feature to keep fires from igniting and burning. Induction burners cannot be accidentally turned on when a pan is cooling. This isn't possible with a gas or electric stove.
Induction cookers do not release harmful pollutants such as nitrous dioxides carbon monoxide, formaldehyde when they are switched off. These pollutants can cause worsening of respiratory ailments. Induction cookers are totally emissions-free when paired with renewable energy sources.
The only drawback is that induction cooktops may emit a whirring sound. This is most noticeable on higher temperatures and can cause interference with a digital meat thermometer, although you can reduce the amount of noise by using large flat-bottomed cookware. The hum isn't harmful however some cooks find it annoying. Many appliance stores have demo kitchens or loaner kitchens that you can test an induction cooktop before buying.
Ceramic
The most commonly used type of hob found in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are set flush with the worktop and are covered in glass to give them a sleek and modern appearance. They are also easy-to-clean. The flat surface of these units means that there are no crevices that food can get trapped on and a simple wipe over is all that is required. These ovens come with a variety of safety features, including hot indicators which show the temperature of the oven with hob and locks that block children from using the oven.
They operate by passing electric current through coiled metal parts under the tempered glass that electronically heats to the desired temperature of your pan or cookware. Although they're not as efficient as gas or induction, they offer a convenient and affordable way to cook. They are susceptible to scratching when pots and pans are pulled across the kitchen floor, however they do come with shatterproof safety glass.
The flat surface of the ceramic ovens hob makes it simple to heat up and cool down quickly because the heat is transferred through the cookware rather than the entire hob. This makes them easier to use in a busy home. Ceramic hobs are also more expensive, but are worth it for their style and ease-of-use.
You should choose a hob that suits your cooking style and lifestyle. If you are looking for high-precision, speed and energy efficiency then gas or induction hobs could be better for you. It is also worthwhile to consider your budget and existing cookware before making a decision on the type of hob you want to buy. After you've completed this, you can start looking for the ideal new hob to complement your oven. Our team of experts are happy to answer any questions you have. You can contact us by phone or email or visit one of our stores. We have a wide selection of products to help you design the perfect home kitchen.
Halogen
It's incredibly satisfying to bring a halogen hob in your kitchen and watch food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a form of dry-heat cooking. This means that it heats air or food to high temperatures, and a Halogen oven can reach these levels quicker than conventional ovens, often in just minutes.
They're also more flexible to temperature changes and are ideal for all styles of cooking. They're great for roasting, frying and baking, but they can also be used for steaming and steaming. Some models can even infrared-grill without the smoke or mess that comes with charcoal.
A halogen oven heats up much faster than conventional ovens. It also gets to the highest temperature faster. The power is shut off once it reaches that temperature, so there is no risk of overheating. The lid is designed to hold the heat, distribute it evenly and make the food perfectly brown.
Halogen ovens are typically less expensive than conventional ovens and can be purchased for less than PS40. They can be used for cooking or steam, and even the rotisserie. Many come with glass bowls that makes it easier to keep an eye on the food and make sure that food doesn't burn.
Halogen ovens are not without their flaws. For example bulbs may have to be replaced after a certain time. Additionally, some models come with flimsy stands for the element and these can be easily knocked over by pets or kids.
Halogen ovens can also create certain harmful byproducts during heating. These are called 'process contaminants' and include acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and can cause cancer in humans. However, if you are mindful to follow the guidelines and use an oven with hob with a non-stick surface and a non-stick pan, you can lower these risks considerably. Halogen ovens usually have a warning sticker on them, highlighting the dangers and it's important to read this carefully before using the appliance.