Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Find features such as rotary, touch or position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic best hobs uk that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is typically 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 set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by an igniter and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the level of heat as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be an issue when you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need 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 variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best hob electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that will suit your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob (look at more info) to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.