Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
best ovens and hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when 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 known as a gas cooker or gas stove is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is much faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need 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 available, from budget models up to premium brands that have 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 the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change 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 exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction stove that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects 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 reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the appropriate 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 benefit the most out of them. They are also more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.