Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button, and also prevent 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 susceptible to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or Ovensandhobs.Uk scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Some models use the halogen element, which is more efficient. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the air surrounding it. 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 in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or a pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized 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 stoves is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove which comes with an integrated extractor fan that helps 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 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 frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who like the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass that is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones in order to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
Why not take a look at our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.