hobs and ovens of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as the rotary control, touch or position. They let you control the heating zones by the touch of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. 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 in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires special care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to the need. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need a 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 variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with small space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.
But, there are a few things to consider when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.