Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. They let you control the heating zones with the touch of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure 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 can scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be problematic when you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against harmful corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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 range of induction stoves are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on a full-color display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the 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 anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in black or a white design. hobs uk have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with 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.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available 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 want.