Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are various types of hobs , including gas, electric, and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. 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 electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ halogen elements which are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This elevated construction does require special care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Based on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be problematic if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of 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 remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick 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.
A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to suit your cooking requirements. hobs and ovens are made of glass that is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.