Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the touch of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of peace of. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick 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 risk of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue when you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
best ovens and hobs uk are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you must have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic 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 range of induction hobs that are available that range from low-cost models to high-end brands with TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on a full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best out of them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.