Types of Ovens and Hobs

The type of hob you select will have a major impact on the amount of energy you consume. There are a range of types to suit your cooking preferences and needs:

Plate hobs are four rings that look like hot plates, but are actually an electric coil beneath. They are quick to heat up, and they provide good heat distribution to flat-based pans.

Cookers for the range

A range cooker is an oven and a hob that is a freestanding. It usually has multiple oven cavities, as well as a variety of burners and grills. A popular alternative to built-in ovens and stoves, they come in different sizes and sleek designs that fit various kitchen styles.

Typically available in gas or electric, the choice you make will be based on your cooking requirements and budget. Dual fuel range cookers tend to be preferred because they offer the best of two worlds: gas hobs which are quick to heat up and are easy to manage, as well as powerful electric ovens.

Many range cookers have an storage drawer beneath the hob. This is ideal to store baking trays or roasting dishes that are out of sight. This drawer can also be used to store pots, stoneware and pans to save space in your cabinets. There are cookers with an integrated sink, which can help you cook food and make cleaning easier.

Choose a range cooker with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven to cater for large parties or dinner events. This feature is super easy to use, and it uses high temperatures to break up leftover food particles. The residue is then burned off at the surface, leaving light Ash.

Some models include an integrated grill, which is ideal to add a bit of crunch to oven-cooked meals. They are also great to fry up quick snacks such as cheese on toast or crumpets.

Many range cookers are equipped with powerful wok burners, which are ideal for those who enjoy Asian food. You can find cookers that have separate hotplates to cook meat or grilling vegetables. You may also find that the model you pick comes with additional features, like an oven that can be multi-functional with options like base heat only, fan assisted and even rotisserie.

If you're looking for a chic and modern design that won't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, look at a sleek stainless steel range cooker. You can pick from a variety of colors to match the cabinet doors, countertops and other accessories. Certain range cookers come with built-in vents that help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in an airy and clean kitchen.

Built-in ovens

A built-in oven (also called wall oven) is designed to fit into your kitchen cabinetry or wall, creating an elegant and personalized appearance. They are typically installed at eye-level, so you can see your dishes and avoid accidents.

A high-quality, energy-efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or longer. However, their lifespan will vary greatly depending on the amount of usage they are subjected to and the frequency of maintenance and care. It's recommended to consult with an experienced technician for routine inspections and maintenance to ensure your oven is operating as efficiently as possible.

In addition to offering a modern, sleek aesthetic, built-in ovens come in a wide variety of cooking functions, ranging from convection to steam. These modern features can take your kitchen to a higher level, making cooking a lot easier and more practical.

Built-in ovens and integrated hobs can be used together to create the perfect kitchen setup for your home. If you're looking for electric or gas-powered hobs StovesAreUs has a wide selection of top-quality hobs that will match your kitchen design and style.

A double integrated or built-in dual oven offers a lot of flexibility in the kitchen. They can be placed at eye level or under counters, and they come with a large multi-function or fan oven below a smaller economy conventional oven with a grill element. Many double ovens are available with additional storage space, such as baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic liners which absorb grease, making cleaning your oven a lot easier.


A stylish, high-end and modern built-in range can add significant value to a home and make it more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell. The decision to purchase an appliance that is new for your kitchen ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and kitchen layout.

All-in-one cookers

If you're looking for a kitchen appliance that does everything, then you should consider an all-in-one cooker. Also known as multi-cookers, these multi-functional models combine the functions of a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, air fryer, sous vide machine and even a food processor into a neat and tidy package.

They are great for making rich soups and risottos, because they stir while heating up to help create the creamy texture. They can also be used to steam vegetables or fish. They are also ideal for making healthy yoghurts and smoothies. However, they aren't suitable for cooking meats, such as slow cookers or pressure cooker.

The top all-in-one cookers come with a variety of settings which allow you to customize the cooking process based on your ingredients and method. They are a great option for those who want to cook meals without the need to be involved. The cheapest models are usually equipped with the most basic features however there are more expensive models that come with many extras.

All-in-one cookers are usually freestanding appliances, which means they take up more space than an oven and hob combined. They have two large ovens that have a capacity of 60 litres and either six or four hob rings or plates, according to the model.

A new generation of all in one cookers has entered the market, providing an array of additional functions. Thermomix is one example. It combines the functions of a food processor and a slow cooker into one. This German-made appliance can chop and cook as well as make kneading. It comes with a variety of automatic programs including making frostings from sugar and cooking sous vide. It's a great investment however, at more than $1,500, it's not cheap.

Most people who purchase an all-in-one cookware will choose a gas-powered model because it will lower energy bills. It's heating up faster than electric ones, and can be expensive to operate. They will work with all types of pans and many will have an option for griddles as well.

Hobs with induction

As the name suggests Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware, and then directly cook food directly. This minimises the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, which reduces energy consumption, and makes the appliances safe to use without any residual heat. They also feature a sleek, modern design that is well-suited with contemporary kitchens.

The technology has its own disadvantages. Induction hobs are not as clean as gas ones and require compatible cookware. The magnetic field that is induction emits low-level electromagnetic waves within the kilohertz frequency range, which could be harmful to health. This amount can be reduced by an absolute distance of 5-10 centimeters and by ensuring the proper pan is placed on a cooking area that is active.

There are several types of induction hobs available from various manufacturers, with different capacities and features. The basic model comes with four rings that can each operate independently. The power levels can also be adjusted with an easy control. To select the setting you wish to use make sure you touch the mark that represents which ring you want to use. You can then either tap the + or - buttons or move your finger across the corresponding "power bar".

Many induction hobs feature an 'bridging' zone that allows you to join two or more rings together to create one larger cooking space - perfect if you have larger saucepans that don't fit on individual rings. Some have a "wok" setting that provides an additional source of heat for woks, while others offer a free-standing option that can be placed on a smooth, flat worktop to save space.

Some models come with digital displays that show the current power levels of each ring. ovensandhobs come with rotary controls or dials which require you to twist and press your fingers to adjust settings. You can also select from a variety of power outputs for each ring and some hobs have an auto-restart feature that will return the appliance to the cooking mode after a brief time.