Types of Ovens

The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles and there are a variety of hob types to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans, and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design while remaining simple to use. They function by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with an opaque black surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

These hobs have smooth, flat surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any household cleaner. They don't also have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for those with children or elderly relatives living in the home. Most of the time, they have the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if a zone remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the oven hob.

They cost more than a basic electric cooker but cheaper than an induction model and can be a good choice for those who don't have gas installed at their residence. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you use cookware with a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not the exact same size as the element.

It's important to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, as working with electricity is risky if it's not done properly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and result in future fire hazards. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically installed in your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. The burners can be lit by hand using a lighter or match. They are controlled with knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any way.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system for operation. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water quicker than gas models and provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than other hobs.

Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models and is often the best hobs choice for those who prefer modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of stove can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to heat up and cool down compared to electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional option that's ideal for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can be used as the focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are an ideal option for those who want a sleek and efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which when a suitable pan is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy-efficient than conventional models, whether they are gas or electric. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is placed, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted and can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs have an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This reduces waste.

Induction models, such as gas hobs, come with various control options including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level in a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.

Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to clear steam and smoke from the kitchen, and to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the other hobs and are usually activated through the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking zone.

The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to be magnetic to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has magnetic bases and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction hobs. However, you should always consult with the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before buying a model.

Domino Hobs

The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those with an insufficient kitchen but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens You can mix and mix to create a modular cooking area that is suited to your needs.

Solid plate best hobs are the simplest type of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, best oven uk and durable. However, they can take a bit of time to warm up and cool down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which uses a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is swift and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and direct heat into the pan. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are an innovative and increasingly popular type of hob, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas instead of the surface. They are more affordable and environmentally friendly than other hob styles however they are more expensive than gas and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice with their flat-style design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. The pause feature can temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.