Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.

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

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working efficiently.

The hobs and ovens of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.

A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the glass.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by an igniter and the burners are controlled manually. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a hassle when you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.

While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is passed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.

The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you must have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have 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 stoves is available, ranging 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 show its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. 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 best oven uk electric hobs uk provide an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in white or black style. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to fit larger pans and others include a power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.

Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around it.

There are some things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed 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 also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.

If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.