Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to ensure your safety. 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 gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be problematic if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs available, from budget models up to premium brands that have a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with small space because it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the 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 and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. For instance, they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around it.
There are a few aspects to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most from them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. ovens hobs are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.