Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning ovens and hobs avoidance of using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents 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 glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic ovens hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated construction does require special care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a challenge when you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
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 ovens and hobs uk environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. 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 high-end brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a 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 control the power exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.