Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. They allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more effective. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a problem when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to high-end brands with TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your 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 values for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be anticipated.
hobs oven are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the correct breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.