Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated design requires special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to alter the heat level according to your needs. Based on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who live in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have 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 to choose from starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will display its location on the full-color display, best ovens and hobs also have a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that 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 relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example they cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are some 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 having it installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive ovens and hobs uk you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.