A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs (sneak a peek here) now.
Electric hobs heat up with a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Hobs of different types
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food items). It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for your needs. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who likes precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the five or best hob uk four zones can be controlled using a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safer since they come with safety mechanisms for flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in case of a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best ovens and hobs uk choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that informs you whether the burner is running or off.
They heat food quicker than electric or induction models and are therefore ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since they are easy to move later. They aren't easy to install and might require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to increase the power of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but don't emit any CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every style. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.
Most often found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs have an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite option for families with children, since they're unlikely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used for any cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however, they will save money in the long run due to their efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as replacing or checking the heating controls and regularly cleaning out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. It's best to call a professional gas technician for help if you suspect a problem. Make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also help to avoid any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs uk, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other stoves and can help you save energy over the course of time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy bills when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs, which can become very hot and pose a burn risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Some have an all-inclusive display that displays all the options, and allows you to easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include many small copper coils tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet beneath each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Be sure to check out our other appliances too such as dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen running just as it should.