Types of Oven Hob

A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.

ovens to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning effectively.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Some models use halogen elements which are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.

Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Hobs Induction


Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.

Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.

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

Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials and come with many options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made from glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. For example they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best from them. They can also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.

If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.