Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like rotary control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones by the click of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent 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 hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of an flammable natural gas or liquid 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 gives extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all 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.
A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider that lets you 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 using bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order 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 magnetic density for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best out of them. They may cost more because they require more energy.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.