Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic best hobs uk with dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are 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 variety of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. The hob and oven displays the position of the pan in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include a power boost button for additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and sleek design that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is set up with the correct cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer the delivery service across the country and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.