Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Find features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models include an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often known as gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be problematic if you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating 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 induce heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need an induction-compatible 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 high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an energy boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
There are advice here to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.