Types of Ovens

Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether cooking the kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are a variety of hob types to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms and could also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design and are easy to use. They function by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a range of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones, with the majority featuring a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and durable against scratches and chips.

They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any household cleaner. These hobs do not have open flames, which means they are safer for families with elderly relatives or children. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options for added safety and an indicator of residual heat which warns you when a zone remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the oven.

They are more expensive than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model and can be a great option for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system and won't function properly.

It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work is risky if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and create fire dangers in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit manually with matches or lighters, and controlled with knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any way.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to set up than electric models and they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water much more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for 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 hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's a great option for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to remember that this type can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can be a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled properly.

Induction hobs oven

A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ 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 emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This produces heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is placed This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It also helps save on energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan or in the event that it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.

Induction models, including gas hobs uk come with a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to the knob on a traditional cooker and allows you to adjust the power level with just one movement. Dial controls are like a standard knob and have a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

As an extra piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other appliances and typically activated with sensors or buttons and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.

Induction hobs are limited due to the requirement for special cookware to function. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetized base and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction stoves. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible before buying a model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is ideal for those who have a small kitchen but still want to explore 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 grill.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which then warm your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, and durable. They can take a long time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, that uses a row glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive since the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and can be damaged by scratching the surface.

Induction hobs are a new and increasingly popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern option with their flat-style design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. They are also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless appearance and can be customized using buttons or dials, depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.