Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. This is why it is essential to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs 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 pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other types of
modern Kitchen hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require a 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that stick 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 that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. 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 at the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to match all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that will suit your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that blends well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. For example, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the correct cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to get the
best hob out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current
hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect
oven with hob hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.