Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to register. There are best ovens and hobs uk that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires particular care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the heating level as needed. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge if you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. best ovens and hobs uk is much faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have a TFT display with an extensive menu of operating options. The hob displays the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies 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 value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are things to consider when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.