Types of oven hob (Read More In this article)
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Find features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. To ensure that your stove looks good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry or 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 fantastic safety feature that will give you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have a 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.
A range of induction stoves are available, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or ovens and Hobs set the timer. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for magnetic flux density 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 top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, ovens and hobs they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.