Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are a variety of best hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as gas cooker or gas stove, 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 is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Based on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require an induction-compatible magnetic 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 range of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with TFT displays with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show you its location on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply 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-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs and ovens offer an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the right breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, ovens and hobs you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.