Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hob s, such as electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary or touch controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
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 use an element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Also, avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that 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 certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for 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, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have 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 are available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show you its location on the full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
One of our most popular models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to complement all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that 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 come with an energy boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that blends well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly 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 generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer the delivery service across the country and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.