Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and can 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, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing 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 also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 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 allow it to register. We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This design is elevated and requires special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a magnetized 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.
A range of induction stoves is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on a full-color display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line 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 risks are expected.
Electric best hobs
The best oven uk electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with 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 under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.