Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Find features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have halogen elements which are more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or best Hob pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be an issue when you live in a place with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and best ovens induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you must have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron 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 range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show you its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs and ovens offer a sleek finish and are designed to complement all kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For instance they cool down faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are a few aspects to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.