Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like the rotary or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or best hob uk abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition ovens and hobs uk functioning effectively.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires particular care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the level of heat. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a hassle for those who live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, 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 will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs ovens and hobs uk infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan 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 more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. The hob displays the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 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 effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.