Types of Ovens

Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether cooking an kettle or roasting a chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric domino, and electric.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take a while to cool down or heat down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface, which is tempered, to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have an opaque black surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.


The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one sweep - you can even use common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames, which makes them a safer option for those with family members or elderly relatives in the home. They typically have the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and a residual heat indicator which warns you when a zone is still hot after the pan is removed from the stove.

They cost more than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who do not have gas in their home. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs however only if the cookware you use has flat bases that maximize the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system and won't function properly.

It is crucial to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity can be dangerous if not done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and create potential fire dangers in the future. It's a small cost to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and typically built into your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually using a match or lighter and controlled by knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. best oven of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system to work. This makes them more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models, and also provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that are compatible with induction and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob that has sleek design and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's a great option for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It is important to know that this type can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens that are large and open-plan layouts where they can serve as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

A popular option for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current that flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy-efficient than conventional models, whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which helps reduce the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This helps reduce waste.

Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a range of control types such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level by one simple motion. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Hobs with touchscreens, which are usually found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are a different option. These have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

As an additional piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated through a sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking area.

The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a special kind of cookware in order to operate. The bottom of the pot has to be magnetic to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with a magnetized base and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction stoves. However, you should always consult the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible prior to purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen, but need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They utilize sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. They can take some time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic substrate in order to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob a fast and quick choice. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs are an innovative and becoming increasingly popular type of hob using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktops They are a chic and modern option. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models come with sleek frameless design and also the option of having dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

Things to look for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. A pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off all active cooking zones and can be useful if you need to leave the kitchen for a time.