Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. best ovens and hobs use an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is 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 great safety feature to have for peace of mind. 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 utilize flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Depending on the model, certain 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 constant supply of gas which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of corrosion and leaks. This is why it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns 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 customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need a 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce 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 standard value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to match most kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining 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 security. For example they cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the appropriate breakers and cables, 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 benefit the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.