Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. They let you control the heating zones with the press of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat through the glass's surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more efficient. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require special attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated under the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have a magnetized 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 range of induction stoves is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a 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 anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best ovens uk electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified 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 can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.