A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings that can range from four to six power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs of different types
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food). It is used to cook many different meals, and as such, it's important that you select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs have a frameless, flat design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and permit precise control, which makes them popular among chefs. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's a leak. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular type of hob and have been used for a long time. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan - instead of heating the surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their speedy heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or not.
They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the best hob choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since they are easy to move later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims, that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls and some have a a power boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Certain gas hobs are equipped with a safety system that automatically shuts off the gas supply once the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting an fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 while they're in use. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the standard features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any style. They have a variety of advantages over other types. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Typically found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs have an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular choice for those with children, as they aren't likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily repaired in the event of damage.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to directly heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and can be used to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as is replacing or checking the heating controls, as well as regularly cleaning out burner caps and grates. It's also important to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour, as this could be a sign of a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best oven to contact an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also help avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up quicker than other types of stoves and can save you energy over time. They are also safer to use because the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and can pose a fire danger.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The simplest is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet under each coil detects the moment that the pan is positioned. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances too, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.