Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require an oven and hob that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This elevated design requires special attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas best hob is lit with an igniter or an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. 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 easy to alter the heat level. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs oven should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require an induction-compatible magnetic base. 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its position on the full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include the power boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and sleek design that fits in well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob; click now, to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.