Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine 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 elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be an issue when you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are 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 place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show you its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to complement all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. Most of them are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans and others include a power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For example they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.