Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These allow you to control the heating zones at the press of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more effective. They can heat the entire surface with successive pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs and ovens are getting more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a magnetized 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 stoves is available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that indirectly 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 reference values for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers best ovens and hobs have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the air around it.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.