Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven and hob to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of a minimum size of 30cm to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob uk offers additional security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must 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 high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will display its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer an elegant look and are designed to match most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and Hobs And Ovens not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best from them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.