Types of Oven Hob
A hob uk is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of best hobs uk, including gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. They let you control the heating zones at the touch of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Certain models have halogen elements which are more effective. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick 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 reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires special attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or a pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be a problem if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware 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 range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best oven uk electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For example they cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.