Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven and hob to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs and ovens available, including electric, gas and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic hobs oven
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity 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 heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by an igniter and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a challenge when you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still an enormous 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. This is why it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel ovens and hobs non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 hobs is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show you its location on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best hob electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to fit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others have the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For example, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing 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 provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.