Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial 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, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more efficient. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to provide 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 no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or the 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. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue when you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for modern best ovens and hobs uk stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under 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 sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible however they require 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 hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's location in full-color 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 a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since 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 affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The Best place to buy oven and hob electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for 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 increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For example, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best hob out of them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We provide the delivery service across the country and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.