Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the level of heat. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a problem when you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important 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 guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still 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. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not an oven and hob or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need 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 stoves is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its location on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on the 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. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that 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 at the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best oven electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction best hobs uk are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.