Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones with the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style best ovens and hobs uk functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use the halogen element, which is more efficient. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob uk after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This feature is typically 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 predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its 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 extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this design requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. All pans, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to high-end brands with a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create 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 at the relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to fit your cooking requirements. Most of them are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.