Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls let you 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 an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind 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 feature an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid dragging Home Page across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great 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 up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set 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 LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires special care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the heat level. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
hobs uk requires that you use the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick 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.
A range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
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 perfect for homes with small space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line 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 expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high level of security. For instance they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the best out of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.