A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using different 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six different power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or
stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are flat and frameless, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing the sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety mechanisms for fire failures that shut off the gas supply in case there is leaks. However, they are less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas and have no open flame, and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you whether the burner is running or off.
They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, which makes them perfect for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because they are easy to move later. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and an energy boost feature that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're in use. These gas hobs that are zero-emission or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat remains in the cookware when it is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Most commonly used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and stylish appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long term because of their efficiency.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's crucial to maintain your glass or ceramic
hob and oven to prevent any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours, since they could be a sign of a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect that there is a problem. Always make sure that the
hob uk is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any severe damage. This will also help prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most
hobs feature an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get extremely hot.
The majority of induction hobs have various control options with the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that displays all the options and allows you to change power levels or set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology come with numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil is able to detect the time when the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as stand-alone models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen units to create a seamless and sleek look. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen run smoothly.