Types of oven hob (delphi.larsbo.org`s recent blog post)
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as rotary or touch controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it looking good and working efficiently.
The best hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to register. Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or Best Ovens And Hobs searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of mind. This function is usually 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
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it 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 into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Based on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be an issue if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized 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.
A variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass, which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.