Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They let you control the heating zones at the press of a button and prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added safety because it prevents 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 to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or a pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the temperature. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be a problem when you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. hobs and ovens is largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require 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 stoves are available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction stove which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a 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-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.