Types of Ovens

The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different sizes and styles available, as well as different hob styles such as electric, ceramic domino, and electric.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to cool down or heat down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, offering modern and sleek design while remaining simple to use. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with an opaque black surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.

They have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't feature open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people who have young family members or elderly relatives in the home. They usually feature the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that warns you if a zone remains hot after the pan has been removed from the oven with hob.

They cost more than a standard electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a great option for those that do not have gas on their property. Like induction models, these can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognize pots and pans if they are not the exact same dimensions as the element.

It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove professionally installed could void the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are usually built into countertops or kitchen units. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and baking essentials are controlled by various knobs that let you manage the heat level while cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs oven is that they offer instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

The downsides of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to set up than electric ones and they may not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much quicker than gas models and offering precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that have an induction compatible design and cost more than other types of hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts where it can serve as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.

Hobs Induction

A popular option for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. In the glass surface, there are coils which when a pan that is compatible 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 creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being much more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. Since they generate heat directly where a pan is situated This reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. This helps to reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature that will shut off the appliance if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with various types of controls, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you adjust the power level with just one movement. A dial control is similar, having an enormous dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other components of the appliance. They typically activated with a button or sensor, and they can also be programmed to automatically switch on when a pot is placed on an area for cooking.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special kind of cookware in order to operate. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction stoves. However, you should always consult the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before buying a model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. These are easy to use, cheap and durable. However, they may take a little time to cool down and heat down and tend to be more expensive than other hob models.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is swift and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs glow quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less energy efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs, a brand new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless appearance and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.