Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones at the touch of a button. hob uk stop them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. 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 called gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous 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 to avoid leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a base that is magnetic. 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, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. 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 control the power in a precise manner.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that 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 standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black style. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. For example, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.