Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven and hob to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
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 need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of peace of. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a hassle if you live in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and ovens and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, 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 hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob uk will show its location on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that stick 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 hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your 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 that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most 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 meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.