A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete oven uk and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is crucial to select the best oven hob for you. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are flat, frameless design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is great for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's a leak. They can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic form of the hob and have been around for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer since there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating functionality and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you whether the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs in the event that you are using electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The former are a better option if you're planning to remodel your kitchen as they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to install and could require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This isn't the best hob uk choice for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have sleek, stainless steel trims, which can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some models even have a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for eco-conscious customers. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they're still equipped with the usual features of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those with children, since they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system that heats directly the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however, they will save money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates and burner caps regularly. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour, as this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the burner is shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of magnets instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat faster than other hobs and save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also believed to be more secure since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can become very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic one is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display that shows all options and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils that are tightly connected beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It then activates the coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.