Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your best oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, 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 the button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
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) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. This design is elevated and requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch ovens and hobs is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp 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 a 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 variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for Best Place to buy oven and hob homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density established 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 sleek and designed to match most kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.