Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive 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 can prevent burns. Some ceramic ovens hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs best ovens and hobs uk is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on the full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to complement most kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest 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 may also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.