Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric best ovens and hobs uk induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the press of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant 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 multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. 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
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, Gas Hob which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to top brands that feature TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will show the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value of the 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 place to buy oven and hob electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine 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 gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most from them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.