Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as rotary or touch controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of mind. 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 gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize 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 fast 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, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models have an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be an issue when you live in a region with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have 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 to choose from starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. The hob displays the pan's location on a full-color display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are ovens hobs , including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power precisely.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the 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 most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around it.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most from them. They are also more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.