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 types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features like rotary, touch or position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob and oven at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after 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 in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be a problem when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient 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 largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch ovens and hobs is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays and a full menu of operation. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on the full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 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-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs oven are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. For instance they cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply configured with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing best hob uk? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.