Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are different types of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Find features such as rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven with hob that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a fantastic safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob and oven offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or a pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible however they require 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.
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 in full-color when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke 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 range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten 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 effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black style. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the perfect oven and hob hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.