Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more powerful. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob and oven after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. 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 being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or an igniter and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be an issue when you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs uk require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are 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 variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs uk offer a sleek finish and are designed to match most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob uk? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.