Types of Ovens

The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasted an entire chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and there are different hob types to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take some time to warm up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic and are simple to use. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. oven with hob come in various styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't have open flames, so they are safe for families with children or elderly relatives. They typically have rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator for residual heat that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.

They cost more than a basic electric cooker but cheaper than an induction model. They could be a great option for those who do not have gas on their residence. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs but only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the contact between the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance will not be recognised by the heating system so won't function properly.


It is crucial to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob as working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically built into your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. The burners can be lit manually using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any way.

The downsides of gas hobs is that they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose dangerous because they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.

Another popular option is an induction stove that makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. However, they only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than some other types of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who want to build modern and sleek kitchens. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and takes longer to cool down and heat down compared to electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan designs where it can act as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically installed by professionals who are capable of handling the installation process, which includes dealing with gas connections that could pose risks if not handled correctly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are an ideal option for those looking for an elegant, efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, create a magnetic field, which creates an electric current to run through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being much more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the area where the pan is set which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety function that will shut off the appliance when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs, come with various control options including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you to adjust the power level in one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and come with a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. They have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs come with integrated extractors which work with the hood to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are usually activated by a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once an oven is placed over a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction cooktops. However, it is recommended to always check with the manufacturer to make sure that the pan you are using is compatible before buying a model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option offered by Siemens, you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.

The simplest type of hob, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed plates, which then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. However, they do take a little time to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other hob models.

The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive because the bulbs are bright and direct heat into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface, as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more eco friendly and cost-effective than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models feature sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will warn you if the hob is hot to the point of contact and can cause burns. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you have to leave the kitchen.