Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features like rotary control, touch or position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat through the surface of the glass. Certain models have Halogen elements that are more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending 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 when you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized 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 stoves is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on the full-color display. It also has a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in black or a white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.