Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.

Look for features such as buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.

Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.

For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.

For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend 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 need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of certain zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. 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 make use of natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.

While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.

As with other modern best hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have an iron base that is magnetized. 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 hobs are available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's location in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.

Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like 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, at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection ovens and hobs uk no health-related effects are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best hobs electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black design. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.

Induction hobs (Continued) are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For instance they cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.

But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.

Why not take a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? 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 nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.