Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They let you control the heating zones at the click of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Some models use the halogen element, which is more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. ovensandhobs elevated design of a gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on 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 faster than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware 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 stoves is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. For example, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best out of them. They are also more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.