Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?
Oven hobs are an essential kitchen appliance, but deciding on the right type can be a challenge. Whether you're looking for gas, electric or induction hobs, we'll help you to make the right choice.
Available in a range of styles, including induction and ceramic, domino hobs offer a versatile cooking experience. Choose between one or two zones of heat and mix the model to suit your requirements. For example, a ceramic section can be paired with a separate one for gas.
Gas
Gas hobs are a vital kitchen appliance that can be used by professionals as well as cooks at home. This kind of hob is renowned for its speed and versatility. It makes use of propane or natural gas to create a flame which cooks food items and pans. Gas hobs are designed with multiple burners that can be controlled using a knob to regulate the intensity and temperature of the flame. Gas hobs are an excellent choice for delicate cooking techniques like simmering or boiling.
In addition, a gas stove's sleek aesthetic contributes to a sophisticated kitchen design, and its flat surface makes it easy to clean. Gas hobs are perfect for smaller counters because they do not protrude. Gas hobs have some disadvantages. They require an LPG (liquefied Petroleum Gas) pipeline, and a dedicated fuel supply, which could increase installation costs.
Gas stoves were constructed with safety as the top priority. They are equipped with devices to stop the flame that automatically shut off the gas supply if the flame ceases to burn. This feature is important for homes with young children or pets to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Modern hobs are also equipped with automatic shut-off valves to prevent the flow of gas in the event of an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.
If you're thinking of buying a gas stove, be sure you consult a Gas Safe registered fitter to ensure that your installation is done properly and that your stove complies with all safety guidelines. If you attempt to install or fix a gas hob on your own, it could lead to leaks, fire hazards and health hazards.
It is crucial to consider the long-term cost before making a final purchase. For instance an electric hob can be more energy efficient than a gas hob, as it transfers heat directly to your cookware. In addition, many electricity-based hobs have additional features like automatic shut-off and pan detection that make them more secure than their counterparts.
Induction
While gas and traditional electric cooktops heat via conduction (which involves a hot flame that heats the surface of your pot or pan) Induction utilizes electromagnetism to directly heat only your cooking pan. Induction cooktops can be heated faster, more accurately and efficiently. This also means less energy is wasted, as heat is only transferred through the magnetic field that surrounds your cooktop and not by a heated resistance coil.
It can be challenging to master induction stoves initially. They require a specific kind of cookware that's compatible with the heating technology: flat-bottomed ferrromagnetic pots and pans. Most newer kitchenware is compatible, but older pans and pots may not work unless you use an induction interface disk. The interface disk is put over the existing cookware to create a magnetic surface. This lets the burners communicate with your cookware. Induction cooktops may not be as hot to your hands as traditional electric or gas cooktops, but they still can cause burns if you sit too long on the surface.
Another disadvantage is that the cooking surface won't start if your cookware isn't seated on it, which is a safety measure to keep fires from igniting and burning. It's also impossible to accidentally turn an induction burner on while your pan is cooling, like you would with a gas stove or electric oven.
The good news is that induction ranges don't release harmful pollutants into the air when they're turned off, such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and formaldehyde. These pollutants can worsen respiratory issues. Induction cookers are totally emissions-free when paired with renewable energy sources.
Induction cooktops can emit a buzzing sound. This is particularly noticeable at higher temperatures and may interfere with a thermometer for meat that is digital however you can minimize the amount of noise by using large flat-bottomed pans. The hum isn't harmful but some cooks find it annoying. Many appliance stores have showroom or loaner kitchens that you can use to test an induction cooktop before purchasing.
Ceramic
Electric ceramic cookers are the most popular kind of cooker in UK kitchens. They are usually flush with the worktop and effaced in glass for an elegant and contemporary look and are easy to clean. Their flat surface means there are no crevices where food particles can be trapped in and a simple wipe is all that is needed. They are equipped with a variety of safety features including hot indicators that let you know that the zones are hot, and locks that prevent children from using them.
They operate by passing electric current through coiled metal elements in the glass that electronically heat to the desired temperature of your cookware or pan. They aren't as efficient as gas or induction but they provide a low-cost and convenient way to cook. They are susceptible to scratches if pots and pans are dragged across the surface, but they come with shatterproof safety glasses.
The flat surface of the ceramic ovens hob makes it easier to heat up and cool down quickly as the heat is transferred through the cookware instead of the entire hob. This makes them easier to use in a bustling household. Ceramic hobs can also be found to be a little more expensive than other types but they are worth it for the style and convenience they offer.
It is important to remember that regardless of the type of hob you select, it must be based on your personal preferences in cooking and lifestyle. If you need high precision speed, energy efficiency and speed then induction or gas hobs could be better for you. Before you decide on the kind of hob that you wish to purchase, it's important to take into consideration your budget and the cookware you currently have. Once you've done this, then you can start looking for the perfect new hob to complement your oven. Our team of experts are ready to answer any questions you might have. Contact us by email, phone or in person. We have a large selection of products and can help you create the perfect kitchen at home.
Halogen
There's something incredibly satisfying about bringing a halogen oven hob in the kitchen and watching your food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a kind of dry-heat cooking. This means that it heats food or air to high temperatures, and a halogen oven can reach these temperatures much more quickly than conventional ovens, usually in a matter of minutes.
They are also more responsive to temperature changes which makes them suitable for all types of cooking. For example they are great at roasting and frying, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models can even infrared-grill without the smoke or mess that comes with charcoal.
As well as being relatively quick to start heating the oven, a halogen one is also a lot quicker than a conventional oven at reaching its maximum temperature. The power will shut off once it reaches the temperature, therefore there's no chance of overheating. The lid is designed to hold heat, distribute it evenly and cook food to perfection.
Halogen ovens can be purchased for less than PS40. They can be used to cook or steam, and even rotisserie. Many come with glass bowls which makes it simpler to keep an eye on the food, and makes sure that the food isn't burning.
There are a few disadvantages to consider with the halogen oven, for one thing bulbs can explode after a while and need to be replaced. Some models have weak stands that are easily damaged by children or pets.
Another concern is that halogen ovens can generate some unhealthy byproducts during the heating process. These 'process contaminants, that include acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) as well as heterocyclic amino acids (HCAs) could cause cancer to humans. However, if you're cautious to adhere to the guidelines and use an best oven with a non-stick cooking pan that reduces the risks significantly. Halogen ovens usually have a warning sticker on them that highlights the risks and it's crucial to read the label carefully prior to using the appliance.