Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. They let you control the heating zones by the touch of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have radiant elements, best Ovens and hobs uk which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel when you have an 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 gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated design requires particular care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or the pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the level of heat. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. This is why it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the cost of utility best ovens and hobs uk infrastructure before choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. All cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by your 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 value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply configured with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best ovens and hobs uk out of them. They can also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.