Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of mind. This function 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 make use of natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This design is elevated and requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be problematic if you live in a region with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. All cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs to choose from, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays with a full menu of operation. The hob will show the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like oven uk makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply 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 effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials and come with many options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have a power boost button for extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example they cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply configured with the correct cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive 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 offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.