Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, Hobs and Ovens and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Some models use Halogen elements that are more effective. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas hobs uk
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated design requires a special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a hassle when you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Under 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 sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized 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 are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show you its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button to provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. For example, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an induction best hob - most require a specific power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect best oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.