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The hob is the center of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to choose from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take a while to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with a flat bottom and could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic, while remaining easy to operate. The ceramic hobs work by using heating elements beneath the tempered-glass surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and durable against scratches and chips.
These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for those with family members or elderly relatives in the home. They typically feature rotary or touch controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that warns you if the area remains hot after removing the pan from the stove.
They are more expensive than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They are a good option for those who don't have gas in their home. Like induction models, these can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element.
It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob since working with electricity can be risky if it's not done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and could cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and typically built into your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit manually using matches or a lighter. They are controlled by knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any style.
The downsides of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to set up than electric ones and they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security danger since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Another popular option is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water more quickly than gas models, and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both electric and induction models. It's a great choice for those looking to create a sleek and modern kitchen. It is important to know that this type of model can get very hot and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's a good fit for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can act as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a popular option for those who want a sleek and efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Under the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnetic field, which causes an electric current to flow through its base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food within, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which means less the amount of waste and energy used. A majority of induction hobs come with an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan or if it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Induction models, like gas hobs come with a variety of control types including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level with a simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated via a sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once an oven uk is placed over a cooking area.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to be magnetic to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, although you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. They can take some time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, that uses a row halogen bulbs on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs glow quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a brand new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs however they are more expensive than gas and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktop are a fashionable and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily deactivate the cooking zones in use. This is helpful if you have to leave the kitchen.