Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones at the touch of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it looking good and working efficiently.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For best place to buy oven and hob optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called 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 cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated design requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or a pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in a place with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs oven have become popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot 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 as well. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. 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 relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others have an energy boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For example they cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. 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 consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you should you wish us to.