Types of oven and hob Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your best oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. They let you control the heating zones at the press of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires special attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or an igniter and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to alter the heat level according to the need. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem when you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs and ovens are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to 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 stoves are available, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by 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 reference value for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. For example they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.