A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings designs, which have between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home should have a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food). It is used for a variety cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob and oven for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
induction hob and electric stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek design 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 perfect for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular with 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. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob and have been around for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan, rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the best oven is on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The latter are the best ovens choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some models even have a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have a safety system that automatically shuts off gas supply once the flame has gone out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally igniting the fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the usual features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer numerous advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to have hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and stylish appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, as they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily repaired if damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat that is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly 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 help you save money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. For instance, cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours since they could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or leaks. It's best ovens to call an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect that there is a problem. Always ensure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up quicker than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas hobs, which can become very hot and can pose a fire danger.
Most induction hobs come with different types of controls with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all the options, and lets you alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils, tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will be able to detect the pan you are placing it. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes Best place to buy oven and hob on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure you look over our other appliances as well, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.