Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements, 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, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob and oven. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models with a booster burner for best hob ovens and hobs Uk (ovensandhobsuk15635.Muzwiki.com) rapid heating of specific areas or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is typically 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 predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need 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 high-end brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect 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 with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit 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 increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the right breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.