Types of Oven Hob

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

The features to look for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.

Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. ovens and hobs uk generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.

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

It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to make it register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature to have for 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 known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level as needed. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.

While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.

As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.

Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need a base that is magnetic. 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 top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.

Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that 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 reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be expected.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For example they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.

But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most from them. They are also more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other hobs.

Why not take a look at our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.