Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your best oven to cook your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat through the surface of the glass. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions 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 searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have 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 up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize 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. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or best ovens and hobs burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to Best place to buy oven and hob 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 that are available that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its position on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob through bluetooth to control the power precisely.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly 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 expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.