Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones at the touch of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as gas cooker or gas stove is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be an issue if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have a 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 is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays with a full menu of operation. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its position on the full-color display, and oven uk (freeok.Cn) also have a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob and oven via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction ovens hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who like the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most from them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.