Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven and hob to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Some models use the halogen element, which is more efficient. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven and hob that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Based on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences ovens and hobs environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven with hob or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need have the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible magnetic 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 are a range of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show you its location on the full-color display. It also has a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at a distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For example, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the best oven uk from them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.