Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function 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 cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of a heated surface 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 are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
As with Ovens And Hobs , induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need 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 are a variety of induction hobs to choose from, from budget models up to high-end brands with a TFT display with a full menu of operation. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set 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 offer sleek design and are designed to match all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a range of options that will suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For instance, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best from them. They may cost more because they require more energy.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you should you wish us to.