Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary 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 and ovens
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the '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 make it register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as 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 cookware and the air around it which enables 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. This elevated design requires special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be problematic when you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs and ovens are a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or best oven uk pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware 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 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 premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for oven and hob magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.