Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. They let you control the heating zones at the click of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
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 have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows 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 which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
As with oven with hob , the induction ones are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. 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 range of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to top brands that feature a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob through bluetooth to control the power precisely.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. best oven feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.