Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. They let you control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more effective. They can heat the entire surface with successive pulses.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right 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 which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, Best ovens uk or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating 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 ignited by matches or a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. 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 to have suitable cookware for it. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron, must have an iron base that is magnetized. 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 are available, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best hob uk electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob (read this blog post from Fluencycheck) to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.