Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially when 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 food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a useful 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 to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to 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 is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require extra care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or a pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate 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 pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you must have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have a TFT display with a full menu of operation. The hob will display the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. 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 at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options that will suit your cooking needs. special info are mostly made from glass, which is clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. For example they cool down quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most from them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.