Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are several different types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Some models use the halogen element, Oven And Hob which is more effective. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to make it register. Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs and ovens, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require special attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible magnetic 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 range of induction stoves is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation at a 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 expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black 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 to provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.