Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They 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 combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or Best Ovens Uk undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have to provide peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This design is elevated and requires special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate 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 surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need 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 variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full-color display, and also have a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and connect to the best hob uk through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that 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 values for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the air around it.
However, there are some things to consider when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction ovens hobs are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.