Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models include an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface is hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use 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 surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or a pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Depending on hobs uk , some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be problematic if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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 a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. 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 in a precise manner.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply 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 effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include the power boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their contemporary and clean look that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the correct cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the best from them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.