Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They let you control the heating zones at the touch of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. 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.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to 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. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered 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 of a minimum size of 30cm to register. Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preference and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available, from budget models up to top brands that feature TFT displays and a full menu of operation. The hob will show the pan's position on a full-color display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of 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 most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials ovens and hobs uk come with many options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made from glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black style. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the best from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.