Types of
ovens and Hobs ukThe hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take some time to cool down or heat down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms and may also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing an elegant and fashionable look while remaining simple to use. The ceramic hobs work by employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly
ovens and hobs uk swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They do not contain open flames, so they are safe for families with children or elderly relatives. Typically, they feature rotary or
ovens and hobs Uk touch control options for added safety and a residual heat indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the
oven with hob.
They cost more than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs but only if your cookware is fitted with a flat base that maximises the contact between the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance will not be recognised by the heating system so won't function properly.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity could be hazardous if not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and typically installed in your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and are controlled by a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.
The downsides of gas hobs is that they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric models and they aren't as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, they only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than other types of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is usually the
best hob uk choice for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and takes longer to cool and heat down than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can be used as the focal point. It requires a space and is typically installed by a professional who will be able to handle the installation process, which includes dealing with gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.
Induction Hobs
A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. In the glass surface, there are coils that, when a compatible pan is placed on the top of them emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current that run through the base of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is situated This reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. This can also help reduce energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models have a range of control types that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level with one simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work with the hood to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and typically activated with a button or sensor or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed on an area for cooking.
Induction hobs are restricted by the fact that they require specialized cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base and certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, although you should always check the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before buying a new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a small kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate
hobs and ovens are the most basic kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and durable. However, they do take a little time to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive than other hob types.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is swift and responsive because the bulbs glow quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming more popular, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, but they are more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern option with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean, with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless design and can be customized with dials or touch controls according to your preference.
When purchasing a new stove, be sure to look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate all active cooking zones and is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a while.