Types of Ovens

The hob is the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted a chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are various hob types to choose from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take some time to heat up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a sleek and stylish aesthetic while remaining simple to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones The majority of them feature a black glazed finish that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.

These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't feature open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. They typically have rotary or touch control options for added safety and an indicator for residual heat that warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the oven.

They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They can be a great option for those that do not have gas at their residence. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with a flat base that maximises the contact between the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly.

It is crucial to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity could be hazardous if not done properly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and could cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit by hand using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any manner.

The drawbacks of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.

Another popular choice is an induction hob which uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water much quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models and is often the ideal choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this type of model can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is suitable for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan designs where they can be the focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can pose risks if they are not handled properly.

Hobs induction

A popular choice for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electric current to run through its base. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the area in which a pan is placed which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the hob off if there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This can reduce the amount of energy wasted.

Similar to gas hobs, induction models are equipped with various types of controls such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level by one simple movement. A dial control is similar, with an enormous dial that can be turned to select the required setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

Induction hobs come with integrated extractors which work with the hood to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated through the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to function. oven hob Links to an external site. is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetized bases and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction hobs. However, it is recommended to always consult the manufacturer to make sure that the pan you are using is compatible prior to purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.

The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electric elements that are that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are simple to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. However, they may take a while to cool down and heat down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is swift and responsive since the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, a brand new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other hob types however they are more expensive than gas and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean, with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless design and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preference.


Features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and can be helpful if you need to leave the kitchen for a time.