Types of oven uk Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven and hob to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Some models employ halogen elements which are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature ovens and hobs uk no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by a pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem for those who reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need a 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on a full-color 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 clock. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform 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 best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.