Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. They allow you to control the heating zones by the touch of a button and prevent them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. This elevated design requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or a pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have 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 premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on a full-color display when it is placed in an area of power. hob and oven or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses 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 the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. hobs and ovens should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and sleek design that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. For instance they cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are some things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most from them. They are also more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you 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 ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.