Types of oven and hob Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven and hob to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the press of a button, and also prevent them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Certain models have Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the best hob at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated construction does require special care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is much faster 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 simpler than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick 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.
There are a range of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of 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 that have a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your existing best hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven with hob hob; full report, to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.