Types of ovens and hobs
The hob is the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to pick from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. These hobs only work with pans that have a flat bottom and could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great method of cooking. They have a fashionable and sleek design, while remaining simple to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the tempered-glass surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They also don't have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people who have young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options for added safety and an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than electric hobs but cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who do not have gas in their home. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other types of hobs but only if the cookware you use has an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit manually using matches or lighters and controlled with various knobs that allow you to manage the heat level while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
The downsides of gas hobs are that they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to set up than electric ones and they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers a sleek appearance and is easy to wipe clean. It's available on both electric and induction models, and is the best oven uk best ovens and hobs (more resources) choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to heat up and cool down than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's a good fit for kitchens that are larger and open-plan layouts where it can act as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically installed by an expert who is competent to manage the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular choice for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a suitable pan is placed on the top emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current that flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being a lot more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. Since they produce heat directly where the pan is located this helps reduce the amount of heat that is wasted and can also help reduce energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the appliance off if there is no pan detected or if it is removed. This reduces the amount of energy wasted.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a variety of control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you adjust the power level with one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. These hobs have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated which work with the hood in order to clear steam and smoke from the kitchen and keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are typically activated by sensors or buttons, and they can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed on an area for cooking.
Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetized bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction cooktops. However, it is recommended to always check with the manufacturer to make sure that the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens grill.
The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and durable. They can take a long time to cool and heat up and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, which uses a row of halogen bulbs under a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a quick and quick option. Halogen hobs consume less energy and may be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are a new and increasingly popular type of stove, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern option with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen oven with hob a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.
When purchasing a new stove, be sure to look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function lets you temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active and is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a time.