A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking cooking rings, which can range from four to six power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare all manner of food items and, for this reason it is essential to choose the right type of oven hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a master cook who prefers precision or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat and provide precise control. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. However, they're less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob and have been around for decades. They feature a flat top with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You can usually find models that offer between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know whether the burner is on or not.
They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The former are the best oven choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen since they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the power of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 while they're being used. These gas hobs that are zero-emission or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a conventional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs have a range of advantages over other kinds of cookers. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat remains behind as the cookware is taken off. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular choice for parents with children, since they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and can be used for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long term due to their high efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. It is also essential to watch out for any signs of gas odour as it could indicate an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage make sure that the burner is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use magnets instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up faster than other types of hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for efficiency. Many people report a reduction in their energy usage when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get very hot.
The majority of induction hobs have different types of controls that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all options and lets you easily change power levels as well as set timers, and more. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is placed. It then activates the coil to fit the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our complete range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen function properly.