Types of oven and hob Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your best oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. They let you control the heating zones by the touch of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the best hob uk after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Based on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge if you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to have a base that is magnetic. 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's location on a full-color display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform 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 effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to complement most kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some models have the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the air around it.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - 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. Induction hobs are expensive, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
Check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.