Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like 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.
For maximum performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid dragging ovens across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This design is elevated and requires special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge when you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an 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 have the right cookware. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need 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.
There are a range of induction hobs available, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will show the pan's location 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 many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. try here is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly 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 density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. 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 meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around it.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.