Types of ovens and hobs
The hob and oven is the center of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of styles and sizes available along with different hob styles that include electric, ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting an elegant and fashionable look while remaining simple to use. They function by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have an opaque black finish that is hard-wearing and durable against chips and scratches.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use household cleaners. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safe for families with elderly or children. They usually come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the hob.
They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models can be more efficient if you use cookware with flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.
It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob since working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's a small price to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually installed in your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It has a variety of burners which can be lit manually with a match or lighter and controlled with a series of knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models and they may not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows the water to boil quicker than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.
Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It is available on both electric and induction models and is often the best oven (for beginners) option for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this type of hob can become very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts where it can act as the focal point. It requires a space and is typically fitted by a professional who will be competent to manage the installation process, which entails dealing with gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Induction Hobs
A popular choice for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnet field, which causes an electric current to run through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. They only heat the space where the pan is set which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan or when it is removed. This helps reduce waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with various types of controls such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models, with more advanced features, are another option. Hobs with touchscreens feature digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
As an additional piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in an area for cooking.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to be magnetic to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, but you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. However, they do take a little time to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this type of hob a quick and responsive option. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and are susceptible to damage by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, which is a new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more eco efficient ovens and hobs economical than other types of hobs, but they are more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models feature a stylish frameless design, and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a time.