Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features like the rotary or touch controls. They allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated construction does require special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a problem when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show you its location on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and sleek design that is in line with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example they cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your existing best hob uk, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven and hob hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide service ovens and hobs can install your new appliance if you'd like.