Types of ovens and hobs uk

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're boiling an kettle or roasting chicken. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.

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

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design while remaining simple to use. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.

The hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly or children. They typically have the option of a touch or rotary control to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that alerts you if the area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the oven (click here to read).

They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are a good option for those who do not have gas at their home. Like induction models, these are more efficient if you cookware has a flat bottom that maximizes the surface area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognized by the heating system so will not function correctly.

It's important to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit manually with matches or a lighter. They are controlled with knobs to adjust the heat during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This makes them more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water quicker than gas models and offer precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can cost more than other types of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models, and is the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down than electric or gas models.

Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan layouts in which they are a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Induction hobs uk

A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to flow through its base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being more efficient in energy use than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the space where the pan is set which helps reduce waste and energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that stops the stove in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs, have a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and allows you to adjust the power level by one simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial which can be rotated to select the required setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.

Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and to keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking area.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific kind of cookware in order to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to create the electromagnetic process. However it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, and certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always check the manufacturer's advice to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before buying an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with a small kitchen but still are looking to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs uk, and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and match to create a modular cooking space that suits your needs.

The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electrical elements that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, they do take a bit of time to heat up and cool down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic substrate in order to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive since the bulbs glow quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs, a new type of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally green and economical than other types of hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped 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 elegant frameless designs, and also the option of having dials or touch controls based on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. A pause function may temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.