Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features like the rotary or touch controls. They let you control the heating zones with the touch of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models include an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for 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 challenge for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting 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 essential to take into consideration the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. 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, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects your 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 effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best oven uk electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that blends well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.