Types of Oven Hob

A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.

The features to look for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They let you control the heating zones at the touch of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.

The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.

Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to make it register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast 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 reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be a problem if you live in a region with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent harmful corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is essential to install a gas hob after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.


While oven and hob and induction hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking great as new.

Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible magnetic 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.

A range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location in full-color when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.

One of our most popular models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using touch controls rather than dials and come with many options to fit your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something difficult.

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.

There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.

Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if your thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.