Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. Best ovens is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware 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 variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power precisely.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker which comes with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a range of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.