Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are ovensandhobs of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features like the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop 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 are combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food residues and scratches. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or an igniter 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 can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the level of heat. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient 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 largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a base that is magnetic. 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, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power precisely.
One of our most adored models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in 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 standard value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who like the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They are also more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer the delivery service across the country and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.