Choosing an oven with hob (read this post here)
If you're looking to upgrade or build a new kitchen, an oven and a hob may be the best solution.
Hob-equipped ovens hobs are available as electric and gas cookers. Gas cookers have an array of burners (usually four) and an oven, whereas electric cookers include an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, specifically?
The primary component of the stove is the hob (also known as cooker top or cooktop). This is the area where you cook your pots. Ceramic, electric and gas models are available. Some models even have dual fuel burners - combining the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heating power of a gas stove.
A hob is available as a stand-alone piece of equipment, or as part of a kitchen integrated. When selecting a hob, you should be aware of its dimensions and energy efficiency as well as its ease of operation. You'll also have to think about the kind of hob that best suits your cooking preferences, as different types offer varying levels of performance.
For instance gas hobs are a favorite for those who love to stir-fry and fry since they are quick to heat and are easy to manage. Induction hobs are the ideal choice if you wish to keep your kitchen as clean as you can. They heat the pan directly using electromagnets, which means they only use power when you're actually cooking, and shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
It is essential to have a gas pipe in place before you install a new stove. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use, and you'll not face any issues when it's time to cook.
The type of hob you choose will determine which controls are available. Rotary controls are common on solid sealed plate and gas hobs, which allow you to alter the amount of heat you're cooking at any time. Touch controls are generally found on ceramic or induction hobs. They let you select the desired setting at your fingertips. Some hobs also come with child and safety locks, so you can ensure that your children and guests cannot accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a cook who is keen it could be worth investing in a hob with additional features, such as a pause function or a timer. They can help you multitask while cooking, and also prevent your food from getting overcooked or burned. You will also reduce time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of a hob oven?
A hob is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It comes with many advantages, including the ease of use, energy efficiency, and compatibility with various types of cookware. It is important to weigh these up against other aspects such as cost and lifestyle compatibility when choosing the right hob for your home.
Gas hobs are among the most popular kinds of hobs. They're easy to use and provide an excellent level of heat control, however, they require a gas line, which isn't always available in every home. They take longer to warm up and cool down which makes them less practical for use in everyday life.
Induction hobs are another option for a sleek, efficient solution. They function by creating an electric field around the pan, which means it's only the cookware that becomes hot and not the surface of the hob itself. This means they're safe and easy to clean and can boil water in only seconds. However, they're more expensive than other types of hobs and are only compatible with metal pans - ideally made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. If you have pacemaker, it is important to check that an induction cooker will not affect it since these types of cookware emit a magnetic field.
A combination hob is another option. This is an excellent option for those seeking the flexibility of induction and gas but don't want to invest much. You can switch between the two. For example you can sauté on the gas side and simmer on the induction side. This lets you create more complicated dishes while saving money.
Other features available on numerous hobs include a pause feature that lets you halt the heating of all active zones at the same time and prevents accidents in busy kitchens. There are also control and child locks that prevent children or other persons from accidentally changing the settings.
Many hobs are equipped with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage well, which makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts of kitchen cleaner is enough to get most surfaces clean. However, stain and marks that are stubborn can often be removed with hob scrapers that are specially designed for the job.
What is the difference between a hob and an oven?
A hob is a cooktop that is used to heat pots and similar cooking vessels. There are many different types of hob available that include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some have special features that are designed to facilitate cooking and others are more appealing to the eye and are utilized as a design element.
Ceramic hobs, like are renowned for being attractive and easy to clean. They work by using electrical energy to heat elements under the glass surface. This then transfer the heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient, as they only heat your pans. They can take longer to heat and cool and are more prone to chips and scratches If not handled with care.
Another kind of hob is a gas-on glass model. These are similar to traditional gas hobs, yet have the added benefit of a sleek and elegant glass finish. They're also generally simpler to clean since there aren't burning rings or hot flames to worry about. They are more expensive and it can be difficult to locate replacement parts should they break.
Induction hobs on the other hand, are a more modern and energy efficient choice. They use electromagnets to generate electricity, which then heats up the pan's bottom rather than the hob's surface. They are quick to heat up and cool down and are also safe since they only heat up when you place a pan over the zone. However, they're only compatible with certain kinds of pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more expensive than other hob types.
There are dual-fuel models that incorporate an electric oven and gas stoves to give the best of both. This is ideal if looking for a one-stop appliance that can bake and roast, as well as boiling, frying or warming up meals.
How do I set up hobs?
It is crucial to think carefully when selecting a cooker that will work with an oven hob, especially in a smaller kitchen. The cooker should be small enough to fit under the hob, and if it has an overhang, ensure that it doesn't interfere with reaching in and out of the oven. Drop-down doors are a handy solution for this.
Also, think about the height of your oven and hob. If they're too low, it may be difficult to take hot roasting pans in and out. If you have children, it's worth thinking about the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are in easy reach of children, while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and can be pushed back to the back splash to provide security.
The best hobs uk choice for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking and if you prefer a gas or electric hob. If you frequently host guests and need a bigger oven, a larger one might be more appropriate for your needs. If you also love baking, then an electric oven that has a stove is an ideal choice, as it allows you to cook simultaneously and bake.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your household electrical setup will need to be able to cope with the power of the appliance you choose. It could be expensive to purchase a brand new electric appliance or switch from gas to electricity. You'll need to upgrade the wiring in your kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the most secure option. Using an extension lead or adapter can be dangerous and damage your appliance.
Check if the electrician is licensed and endorsed by a professional body such as Trusted Traders. This will allow you find a local tradesperson who has the appropriate experience for the job. Asking for quotes from several tradespeople is also important because prices can be very different. One way to do this is to use the online search engine on our website that will help you locate a reputable tradesperson near you.