Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen or build a new kitchen, an oven and a hob could be the ideal solution.
Gas and electric
ovens with stoves are available. Gas cookers come with a set of burners (usually 4) and an oven, whilst electric cookers include an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, specifically?
Hobs (also called cooker tops or cooktops) are the primary component of a stove that you heat pots on. Gas, electric and ceramic models are available. Some models have dual fuel burners, combining the speedy cooking time of an electric oven with the instant heat of gas stoves.
A hob can be set up either as a freestanding piece of equipment or an integral component of a kitchen that is built-in. When choosing a hob you must consider its size as well as its energy efficiency and the ease of use. You'll also have to think about the type of hob that best suits your cooking style since different models offer various levels of performance.
For instance gas hobs are popular for those who love stir-frying and fry because they're quick to heat up and are easy to control. However, if you're looking for the most clean option, then induction hobs might be the way to go. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets. They only use power when you're actually cooking, and then shut off automatically when the pan has been removed from the stove.
It is essential to have a gas line in place before you can install a new stove. This will ensure that the hob is safe to use, and you won't face any issues when it comes time to cook.
The type of hob you pick will determine the control options that are available. On gas and solid sealed plate hobs, you can alter the temperature using the rotary controls. Touch controls are commonly found on induction and ceramic hobs, which give you the option of selecting the setting you prefer using your fingertips. Certain hobs are equipped with child safety locks to ensure that your guests and children are not able to accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a keen cook you might consider purchasing a kitchen appliance with additional features, such as a pause function or timer. They can help you multitask while cooking, and also prevent your food from being overcooked or burned. They can also save you time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of hobs?
A hob is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers many benefits that include the ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of types of cookware. When selecting the best hob, you should also take into consideration other aspects such as cost and lifestyle compatibility.
One of the most well-known types of hobs is a gas hob. Gas hobs are easy to use and provide a high degree of heat control. However they require a gas connection that isn't available in every home. They also take a longer time to warm up and cool down, which may make them less practical for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs are another option for a sleek and efficient solution. They create magnetic fields around the pan, so it's only the cookware that becomes hot and not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe and easy to clean and boil water in a matter of seconds. They are more expensive and can only be used with pots made of metal, which is best made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. If you're suffering from pacemaker, it's essential to ensure that an induction cooker won't affect it as these cookwares emit a magnetic field.
A combination hob is another option. This is a great option for those who want to have the versatility of both induction and gas but don't want to invest an enormous amount. You can switch between the two. For example you can sauté on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This lets you make more complex dishes and save money.
Many stoves also include a pause feature, which allows users to shut off heating all zones at the same time. This helps to prevent accidents, especially in kitchens with a lot of activity. There are also child and control locks that prevent children or other persons from unintentionally changing the settings.
Many hobs have a removable drip tray or spillage tray. This makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts of kitchen cleaner should be enough to get most surfaces clean, but stain and marks that are stubborn are often removed using a specialist hob scraper.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
A hob is used to heat cooking pots and other vessels. There are many different types of hob available that include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some have special features designed to make cooking a breeze while others are more aesthetically pleasing and are used simply as a design feature.
For instance, ceramic hobs are renowned for their elegant and stylish, as well being easy to clean. They use electrical energy to heat elements beneath the glass surface, which then transfers the heat directly to your pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy-efficient because they only heat the pans and not the surrounding surface. However, they can take a little longer to cool down and heat down, and may be more prone to scratches and chips if you're not careful.
Another kind of hob is the gas on glass model. They're similar to gas hobs that are traditional, however they come with the added benefit of a elegant and sophisticated glass finish. There aren't any flames or hot burner rings to worry about, so they are easier to clean. They are more expensive and it can be hard to locate replacement parts should they break.

Induction hobs on the other hand, are a more modern and energy efficient choice. Electromagnets are used to create electricity that is used to heat the bottom of the pans, not the surface. They are quick to heat up and cool down and are also safe as they only heat up when you place a pan on the zone. However they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more expensive than other hobs.
Additionally, there are dual fuel models, which give you the best of both worlds by combining an electric oven with gas hob. This is a great option if you're looking for a one-stop appliance that bakes and roast while also heating, boiling, or frying up food items.
How do I install a hob?
It is crucial to think carefully when selecting a cooker that can be used with an oven, particularly in a smaller kitchen. The cooker must be low enough to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang make sure it doesn't hinder reaching into or out of oven. A drop down door is an ideal solution for this.
Also, take into consideration the height of both your oven and hob. If it's too low it can be difficult taking hot roasting tray in and out. If you have children it is important to consider the distance of the cooktop from them. Built-in hobs are easily accessible by children, while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and may also be pushed against the back splash.
The best choice for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking, and whether you prefer a gas or electric hob. For instance, if you regularly entertain guests, then an oven with a bigger capacity could be better to suit your needs. Also, if you like baking, then an electric oven that has a hob is a practical option as it allows you to cook simultaneously and bake.
You must also take into consideration that your home's electrical system should be able to handle the power of the appliance you choose. Adding a new electric cooking appliance, or switching from gas to electric, could be costly as you'll have to wire the entire kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the safest option. Using an extension lead or adapter is dangerous and could damage your appliance.
Check if the electrician is licensed and accredited by a professional body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you locate a local tradesperson who has the skills to accomplish the task. It is also crucial to request estimates from several tradespeople because the cost can differ dramatically. You can locate reputable tradespeople near you by using the online search tool accessible on our website.