Types of oven hob (Recommended Reading)
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to make it 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 function that turns off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of peace of. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs oven are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This elevated design requires particular care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a problem when 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 will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are 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 place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There are a range of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in 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 a timer. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power precisely.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of 5-10 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 expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best ovens and hobs uk out of them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
Check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.