Types of ovens and hobs
Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans, and may have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic method of cooking. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic, while remaining simple to use. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. Most have a black glazed surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't feature open flames, making them an ideal choice for people with young family members or elderly relatives in the house. They typically come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and an indicator of residual temperature which alerts you when an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the best hob.
They cost more than electric hobs however, they are less expensive than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the area of contact with elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. Additionally, failing to get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It has a variety of burners that can be lit manually with matches or lighters, and controlled by knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any manner.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This means they are more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.
Another option that is popular is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and oven can be a bit more expensive than other types of hobs.
Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models, and is the best ovens option for those looking to add modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more conventional choice that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan designs where they can serve as the focal point. It requires a space and is usually fitted by a professional who will be able to handle the installation process, which includes dealing with gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular option for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which when a suitable pan is placed on the top of them emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This generates heat which quickly warms the food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. Because they produce heat directly where a pan is placed this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted and also helps save on energy costs. Many induction hobs feature an safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan or if it is removed. This can reduce the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with a variety of control options that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to a standard cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, having an enormous dial that can be turned to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are an alternative option. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs may be equipped with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are typically activated through a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when an oven and hob is placed over a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware in order to work. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to create the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetized bases and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction hobs. However, you should always check with the manufacturer to make sure that the pan you are using is compatible prior to purchasing the model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option offered by Siemens you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that is suited to your needs.
The simplest type of hob, solid plate hobs use electrical elements heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. However, they can take a while to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive than other hob types.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic substrate to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob that is becoming more popular, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and contemporary option, with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and also the option of having 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 if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all active cooking zones and can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.