Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models employ halogen elements which are more efficient. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. best ovens and hobs will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, hobs uk offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which 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 set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the level of heat. Based on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem for those who reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of 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.
While hobs uk and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating 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 induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron are required to have a base that is magnetic. 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 are a variety of induction hobs to choose from that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have TFT displays with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that is then absorbed by the 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 magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around you.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is configured with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.