Types of
Oven HobA hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features like rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Certain models have Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan in order for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often known as a gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Based on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a challenge when you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preference and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction
hobs and ovens are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. All pans, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to 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 variety of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. The hob will display the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply 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
best hobs electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the
best ovens uk from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect
oven uk hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.