Types of Ovens

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're cooking the kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and there are various hob types to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, and domino.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up or cool off. These hobs work only with pans that have flat bottoms and might also have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic, while remaining easy to operate. They function by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and durable against scratches and chips.

These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. Best ovens don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly or children. They typically have rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that warns you when an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the oven.

They cost more than a basic electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a good option for those who do not have gas at their property. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if your cookware is fitted with an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. The heating system won't recognise pots and pans if they are not exactly the same size as the element.

It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity can be dangerous if not done correctly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit by hand using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any style.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system to function. This means they are more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.


Another popular choice is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans which allows them to boil water more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a bit more expensive than some other hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models and is usually the best choice for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this model can become 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 perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts in which they are the focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer an elegant, efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on top of them emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current that be pushed through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is set which means less energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs feature the safety feature of shutting the hob off if there is no pan or when it is removed. This can reduce the amount of waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs come with various types of controls including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level with a simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed over a cooking zone.

Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require special cookware to function. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction stoves. However, you must always consult the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible prior to purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

The potential of a domino hob is ideal for those who have a small kitchen but still want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option offered by Siemens, you can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that suits your needs.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which then heat your cookware. These are easy to use, inexpensive and durable. They can take a long time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern option, with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding fluidity to your cooking space. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls according to your preference.

When purchasing a new stove, make sure you look for features such as overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that will alert you to an overheated hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate the cooking zones that are active and is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.