Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric, and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These allow you to control the heating zones at the press of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Certain models have halogen elements which are more effective. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
best hobs of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem when you live in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you must have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require a 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs that are available starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show you its location on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob using bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform 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 are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones 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 more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best from them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.