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 available, including gas, electric, and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
best hob are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Based on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. 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 use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are a variety of clever gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density 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 have a sleek design and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and 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 generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.