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.
Find features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
These hobs oven are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
Certain ceramic hobs uk have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or the '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 allow it to register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place for peace of mind. 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 predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power 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. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the 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 cooker are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs 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 gaining popularity, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure ovens and hobs uk utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows 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 more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have a TFT display with a full menu of operation. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power precisely.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect 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 at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob (enquiry) to match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer the delivery service across the country and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.