Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.

Look for features such as rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.

These types of 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. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.

Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of at least 30cm in size to make it register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a a match. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.

One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a hassle when you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas best hobs uk also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An alternating electric current is passed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.

Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.

The main limitation with cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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.

A range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.

Induction ovens hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects your 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 that was 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 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 touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around it.

But, there are a few things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.

Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.