A Guide to ovens uk and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of best ovens and hobs uk and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere between four and six power levels. It may take a while for them to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety cooking methods, and it's important to choose the right hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. However, they can be less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks because of its fast heating capability and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that informs you if the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to run than electric hobs, if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since you can easily relocate them later. They can be difficult to install and might require you to cut into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some have a an energy boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs come with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply when the flame is out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally setting off a fire. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 while in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the features that are typical of traditional gas models however they don't emit CO2 whatsoever while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice in kitchens of any design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat is left behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or hob And oven glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, since they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced when damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money in the long run because of their efficiency.
Despite their simple design, it's important to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. Be on the lookout for gas smells, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid serious damage make sure that the stove is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help stop any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. They heat up quicker than other stoves, and will save you energy over time. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and most have safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a "bridging zone" that can connect two zones to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire danger.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options, the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all options and allows you to alter the power levels or set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils, tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.