Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging Best ovens across the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan in order for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle when you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. 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 range of induction hobs to choose from, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass, which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For example, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.