Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it looking good and working effectively.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Certain models have halogen elements which are more effective. ovens hobs heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of assurance. 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 there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require particular care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the level of heat as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem if you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide 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 are growing in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated 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 pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible however they require 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, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan in full-color when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for 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 top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an energy boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that is in line with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
If you're considering building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.