Types of Ovens Hobs

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available and a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. They work by using heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. Most have an opaque black surface which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use the majority of household cleaners. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for those with young family members or elderly relatives in the house. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and a residual heat indicator which warns you when a zone is still hot after the pan is removed from the oven.

They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element are not recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.

It is crucial to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, as working with electricity is possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty, and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops, also known as gas best hobs uk, are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit manually using a match or lighter and controlled with a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any way.

The downsides of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water quicker than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and are a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.

Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It's important to note that this type of model can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can be used as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled properly.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a favorite option for those looking for a sleek and efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnetic field, which causes an electric current to run through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the area in which a pan is placed which means less the amount of waste and energy used. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing waste.

Like gas hobs oven, induction models are equipped with various types of controls such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker, and lets you alter the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be rotated to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature an electronic display that is easy to read and adjust.

As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the rest of the appliance and are usually activated by a button or sensor and can be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in the cooking zone.

Induction best hobs are restricted by the fact that they require special cookware to function. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always check the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to purchasing the latest model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those with a small kitchen but still want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens You can mix and combine to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.

The simplest type of hob, solid plate hobs use electrical elements heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. They can take some time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which uses a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob an easy and quick choice. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of hob, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally efficient and economical than other types of hobs, but they are more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern option, with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models come with elegant frameless designs, and the ability to have dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will warn you if the hob is hot to point of contact and can cause burns. A pause feature lets you temporarily disable all active cooking zones and can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a while.