Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.

Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. They let you control the heating zones by the press of a button. They also stop them from being easily knocked over, especially 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 scratch marks and other residues. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.

These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat through the glass's surface. Some models employ halogen elements which are more effective. They can heat the entire surface with successive pulses.

Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the glass.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. 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 set period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures 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 heating level according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.

Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob and oven clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.

Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have 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 range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best hob electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a black or white 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 are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. For instance, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.

If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven uk hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.