Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires special care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be an issue if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need 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 stoves is available, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of 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 expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black style. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. For instance, they tend to cool down 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 work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for ovensandhobs you should you wish us to.