Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic hobs and ovens
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
The best hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface is hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or Best Ovens pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have for 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, also known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect 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 remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans 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 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 are a variety of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to high-end brands with a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power exactly.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses 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 value for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who like the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in a white or black design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.