Types of ovens and hobs uk hobs (Full Review)

Hobs are the center of any kitchen, no matter if you're cooking the kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles and there are different hob types to pick from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up or cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic and are also easy to operate. The ceramic hobs function making use of heating elements under the glass-tempered surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wipe down in one go - you can even use the majority of household cleaners. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for people with young children or elderly relatives in the house. They typically have the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the oven hob.

They are more expensive than a basic electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model and can be a great option for those that do not have gas at their property. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system so will not function correctly.

It is crucial to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob and oven because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and could cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled by a series of knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any manner.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models and they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose an hazard for safety since they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.

Induction hobs are another popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models, and offer precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than some other types of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to remember that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts where it can act as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are an ideal option for those looking for an elegant, efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to warm pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, create a magnetic field which causes an electric current to flow through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which means less energy consumption and waste. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that stops the stove in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs, induction models are equipped with a range of control types that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level by one simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob and come with a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and typically activated with a button or sensor, and they can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed in the cooking zone.

Induction hobs are restricted by the fact that they require specialized cookware to work. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetized bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction cooktops. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before buying the model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen but still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.

The simplest of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electric elements that are heated by sealed plates that then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, and durable. They can take some time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob an easy and flexible choice. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming more popular type of hob, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more eco efficient and economical than other hobs, but they are more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktops are a fashionable and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models feature a stylish frameless design, and also the option of having dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

Features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which alert you if your hob is hot to point of contact and can cause burns. A pause feature lets you temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active and can be useful if you need to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.