Types of oven uk Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan in order for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often known as gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas ovens hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated construction does require extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with a match. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a problem if you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. 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 correct cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron 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.
There are a range of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan in full-color when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that is then absorbed by the 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 magnetic density for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly ovens and hobs uk provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are a few aspects to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is configured with the right cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.