Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Certain models have halogen elements which are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
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) for their fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Based on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob uk.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. All cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need 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 stoves are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on the full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power precisely.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line 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 anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're considering building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.