Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hob s require a consistent gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible 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 top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display, and also have a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. 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 for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of security. For example they cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend having it 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 can also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.