Types of oven and hob hob (published here)
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind 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 using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often known as gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated ovens and hobs requires particular care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be problematic when you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's utility best ovens and hobs uk infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need a 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. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric best hobs uk
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with a power boost button for additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For example, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.