Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button. They also stop them from being easily knocked over particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. ovens and hobs uk is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. 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 predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated construction does require particular care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid 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 that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you must have suitable cookware for it. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a magnetized 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 are a range of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order 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 standard value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass, which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree 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 inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.