Types of oven and hob Hob

A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.

Look for features like buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. They allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily, especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.

These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.

A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.

For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to make it register. Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat 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 safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level according to the need. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater 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 prevent the risk of corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current 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 cooker or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.

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

The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron 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 that are available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.

Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for best ovens and hobs uk homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by 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 value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best ovens electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For example they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.

There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.

If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style ovens and hobs uk preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.