Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hob including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones at the click of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it looking good and working efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic ovens hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating best ovens and hobs helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the temperature. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a challenge if you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which 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 heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to Best place to buy oven and hob 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, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are a variety of clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob uk via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the 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 density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options that will suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black style. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They are also more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? 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 may have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.