A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens uk and hobs now.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook many different meals, and as such it's crucial to select the best ovens and hobs hob to suit your cooking style. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob and have been around for a long time. They feature a flat top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the traditional hobs oven. They are safer since there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common option for home cooks due to its speedy heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction models or electric models, which makes them perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are the best choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. They typically have elegant, stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as the power boost feature allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame is gone, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A favorite choice for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer many advantages over other kinds of cookers. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat remains in the cookware when it is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a popular choice for parents with children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, however, they will save money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates or burner caps regularly. It is also essential to keep an eye for any indications of gas odour since this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to contact a gas professional for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help to avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and pose a burn danger.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is an easy power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect the pan you are placing it. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Take a look at our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.