Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as the rotary, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones at the click of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a fantastic safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Some gas hobs and ovens are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem when you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric best hobs are getting more popular however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron, must have an iron base that is magnetized. 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce 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 utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around you.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.