Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. These controls allow you to 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 combine style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or ovensandhobs.Uk abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. 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, also known as gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to alter the heat level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need 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 range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform 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 effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to match most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.