A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings that can range from four to six power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Types of hobs
Every home should have an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to prepare all manner of food items and, for this reason, it's important that you choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones, each of which is controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They are quick to heat up and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply if there's an issue with the gas. However, they're less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob that has been in use for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its speedy heating capabilities and simple control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you whether the burner is running or not.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a provider which generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to cut into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature lets you boost the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply once the flame has gone out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting the fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't produce any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a standard gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They provide a range of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Typically seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for parents who have children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It's also important to watch for any indications of gas odour as this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to seek out a professional in gas to seek assistance. Always ensure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid severe damage. This will also help avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of a magnetic field to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other types of stoves, and will reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and many have safety features like automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible cookware must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs come with an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people report dips in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get extremely hot.
Most induction cooktops come with different types of controls with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that shows all the options and allows you to adjust the power levels, set timers and more. Induction hobs with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil is able to detect the time when the pan is placed. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen units for a seamless and sleek look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure you check out our other appliances, too, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working as it should.