A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire oven hob and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up with various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without an best oven uk, kitchen hob cooker, or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to cook many different meals, and as such, it's important that you select the best ovens hob to suit your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your needs.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems for fire failures that stop the gas supply in the event there is a leak. However, they're less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob and have been used for many years. They feature a flat surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best hob uk choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan - instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They are safer, as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The latter are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have the power boost feature, which boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame goes out, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're in use. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the usual features of traditional gas models however they don't emit CO2 at all while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than Gas Hob hobs, meaning less heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for parents who have children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is making sure to replace any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will help prevent accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up faster than other types of stoves and can save you energy over time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for their efficiency. Many report an improvement in their energy usage when they change to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and create a burn hazard.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control options. The most basic one is the simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with an entire display that shows all the options, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature numerous small copper coils, tightly placed under the cooktop. the magnet under each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen units for an elegant and seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Be sure to look over our other appliances too, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.