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 hobs, including gas, Oven electric and induction.
Look for features like rotary, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the 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 for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by a pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be an issue if you live in a region with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have 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.
A range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob and oven will display the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was 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 electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob and oven which is that most require a power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.