A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
ovens and hobs uk and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings, which can range between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance that can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's crucial to select the best hob for your needs. If you're a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob to meet your requirements.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing the sausages on another. This is perfect 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 they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safe since they come with safety systems for fire failures that will shut off the gas supply in the event there is leaks. They may be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat, smooth surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They heat food quicker than electric or induction models and are therefore ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a provider which generates renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. They aren't easy to install and might require you to rip out your carpentry work. This isn't the best choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs and ovens come with an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They are also less expensive than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a standard gas model while emitting no CO2.
Electric hobs and ovens
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They provide a range of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a favorite choice for those with children, as they're less likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are able to be replaced in the event of damage.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, that make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours since they could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. It's best ovens and hobs to call an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect a problem. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid severe damage. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to 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 a 'bridging zone' which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be more secure since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and pose a burn risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The simplest is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all options and lets you easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils, tightly grouped together below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will sense the pan you are placing it. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs uk and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary copper and ceramic. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances as well including refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.