Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as rotary control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones with 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 prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the 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 security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a hassle when you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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 hobs is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects 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 density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best out of them. They are more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.