Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. They allow you to control the heating zones by the touch of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
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 to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require 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.
A variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on the full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform 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-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select 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 a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.