Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They allow you to control the heating zones at the click of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs oven offer style and function 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 hob looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob; sources, to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you live in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas best hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must 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.
A range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on a full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply configured with the right breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They are also more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you should you wish us to.