Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven hob to heat your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of a minimum size of 30cm to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats the cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas ovens hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require extra attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models have an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to have a magnetized base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the best out of them. They may cost more because they require more energy.
If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take an look at our wide range of appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven with hob hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.