Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you 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 a great option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which enables 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 risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a problem for those who reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though 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 expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron, must have a magnetized 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, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular 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 a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. ovens and hobs utilizes 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 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best out of them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.