Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.

Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones at the press of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.

The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use the halogen element, which is more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.

Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.

For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or one 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 pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of 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 rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated construction does require special attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.

One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a problem for those who reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.

While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are popular with our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using 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'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible however they require an induction-compatible magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to Best place to buy oven and hob 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 high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best hobs electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For instance, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply with the right breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.

If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking 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 want.