Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. hobs and ovens prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or a pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models have an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be a problem when you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need 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 variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that 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 reference values for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they cool down faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.