Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more effective. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. ovens uk allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be a problem if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. 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, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including 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 reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was 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 best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. For example they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the ideal oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.