Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They allow you to control the heating zones by the click of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. 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 through control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. Best ovens UK is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a 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 heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This 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 extra attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to alter the heat level according to the need. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot 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 the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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 available starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob 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 because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line 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 provide sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the ideal oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.