Which ovens and hobs Hobs Are Right For You?
Ovens hobs are a vital kitchen appliance, but it can be difficult to choose which one is suitable for you. Whether you're looking for gas, electric or induction hobs, we'll help you make the right choice.
Available in a range of styles such as induction and ceramic domino hobs give you a versatile cooking experience. Choose from either one or two heat zones and mix your model to your preferences, for example a ceramic section with a separate gas section.
Gas
Gas hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance that can be used by both professionals and home cooks. This kind of stove is known for its flexibility and speed. It utilizes propane or natural gas to create a fire that is used to heat pots and pans. The design of a gas cooker typically has several burners which can be controlled with the knob that permits you to control the intensity of the flame and its temperature. This degree of control makes a gas stove an ideal choice for delicate cooking methods like simmering and boiling.
In addition, a gas stove's elegant design contributes to a sophisticated kitchen design, and its flat surface makes it simple to clean. As opposed to ovens the gas hob does not extend from the countertop, which makes it suitable for smaller countertops. However, a major disadvantage of a gas hob is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline as well as a specific fuel source which can increase installation costs.
Gas stoves were made with safety in mind as a priority. They are fitted with flame failure devices which automatically shut off gas supply if the flame fails to ignite. This feature is essential for homes with children or pets, as it protects against carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Similarly, modern hobs are equipped with automatic shut-off valves that prevent the flow of gas in the event of an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.
Find a Gas Safe Registered Fitter prior to purchasing a new gas stove to ensure the installation is completed correctly and that the stove is in compliance with all safety protocols. If you attempt to install or repair the gas hob on your own, it could cause leaks, fire hazards and health risks.
It is therefore crucial to think about long-term costs prior to making a final purchase. Electric hobs are more efficient in energy than gas hobs because they direct heat to the cookware. Additionally, many electricity-powered hobs come with additional features such as automatic shut-off or pan detection, which makes them more secure to use than their counterparts.
Induction
Induction cooktops use electromagnetism instead conduction to heat your pan. This allows induction cooktops to heat up quicker more precisely and efficiently. It also means less wasted energy, since heat is only transferred to your pan through the magnetic field and not from the heat of a resistance coil or open flame.
Induction stoves can be difficult to get the hang of initially. They require a particular type of cookware that is compatible with the heating technology: flat-bottomed, ferromagnetic pans and pots. The majority of modern kitchenware can be used, however older pans and pots might not work unless you use an induction interface disk. The interface disk is placed over the existing cookware to create a magnetic surface. This lets the burners communicate with the cookware. Induction cooktops are not as hot like traditional electrical or gas cooktops, but they still can cause burns if you stay too long on the surface.
Another drawback is that the cooking surface won't be turned on if the cookware isn't sitting on it and is a safety measure to prevent accidental burns and fires. Induction burners aren't able to be accidentally switched on while the pan is cooling. This isn't possible with an electric or gas stove.
Induction ranges do not emit harmful pollutants like nitrous oxides carbon monoxide, nitrous dioxide, and formaldehyde once they are shut off. These pollutants can cause worsening of respiratory conditions. And when paired with a renewable energy source induction cookers can be completely emission-free.
Induction cooktops may emit an emitted sound. This noise is more noticeable at higher temperatures and can affect digital meat thermometers. However, you can reduce it by using heavy pans with flat bottoms. The hum isn't a problem but some cooks find it annoying. Many appliance stores have demo kitchens or loaner kitchens which you can use to test the induction cooktop prior to purchasing.
Ceramic
The most popular type of cooker found in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are flush with the worktop, and are clad in glass to give them a sleek modern design. They are also easy to clean. They have a flat surface, so there are no crevices that food could get stuck. A simple wipe is all you need. They come with a range of safety features, including hot indicators that show when the zones are still hot, and locks that prevent children from using them.
The cookware or pan is heated electronically through the passage of electricity through the coiled elements underneath the glass that has been tempered. They aren't as efficient as gas or induction however they are a cost-effective and convenient way to cook. They can be prone to scratching when pots and pans are moved across the surface, but they do come with shatterproof safety glass.
The flat surface of a ceramic ovens hob makes it quick to heat up and cool down because the heat is radiated through the cookware instead of the entire hob. This makes them more practical to use in a busy home. Ceramic hobs can be expensive, but are worth it due to their design and convenience.
It is essential to keep in mind that no matter what kind of hob you pick it must be based on your own cooking preferences and lifestyle needs. Gas or induction hobs could be the best choice for you if you need high precision, speed and energy efficiency. Before deciding on the type of hob that you wish to buy, it is crucial to think about your budget and current cookware. After you've done this, you can begin looking for the ideal new stove that will complement your oven. Our team of experts are ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact us via phone or email or visit one of our stores. We have a large selection of kitchen products and can help you create the perfect kitchen for your home.
Halogen
It's extremely satisfying to bring a halogen oven with hob into your kitchen and watch your food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a kind of dry heat which means that the food or air is heated to extreme temperatures. A halogen stove can attain these temperatures faster than conventional ovens.
They're also more responsive to temperature adjustments which makes them suitable for all sorts of styles of cooking. For example they excel in roasting and frying, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models can even infrared-grill without the smoke or mess of charcoal.
As well as being relatively rapid to warm up the oven, a halogen one is also a lot quicker than a conventional oven hob in reaching top temperature and the power will cease to function when it reaches the temperature, so there's no danger of overheating. The lid is designed to hold heat, distribute it evenly and brown the food perfectly.
Halogen ovens are available for less than PS40. They can be used for anything from frying to steaming and some models even have the ability to rotisserie. Many come with a glass bowl that makes it easier to keep an eye on the food and can make sure that the food doesn't burn.
There are a few disadvantages to take into consideration when buying a halogen oven though, for one thing bulbs can explode after a while, and they need to be replaced. Some models also come with flimsy stands for the oven, and they are easily knocked over by kids or pets.
Another potential issue is that halogen ovens could generate some unhealthy byproducts during the heating process. These are referred to as 'process contaminants which include acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), and they can cause cancer in humans. However, if you're mindful to follow the guidelines and use an oven with a non-stick pan, you can reduce the risks significantly. Halogen ovens typically have a warning sticker on them highlighting these risks and it's crucial to read the label carefully prior to using the appliance.