Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven uk to heat your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Find features such as rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan in order for it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need a base that is magnetic. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to Best place to buy oven and hob 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 to choose from starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature a TFT display with a full menu of operation. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer an elegant look and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options that will suit your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For instance, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most out of them. They may cost more 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 to look through our vast range of appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are on hand ovens to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.