Types of Ovens

The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic, while remaining simple to operate. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the tempered-glass surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones, with the majority featuring a black-glazed finish that is durable and durable against chips and scratches.

The hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They do not contain open flames, therefore they are safer for families with children or elderly relatives. They usually feature control knobs that are rotary or touch to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.

They cost more than a basic electric cooker however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a good option for those that don't have gas installed at their property. Like induction models, these are more efficient if you use cookware with a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance will not be recognized by the heating system and won't function properly.

It is important to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done properly. In addition, if you don't get your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and create potential 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

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit manually using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that adjust the heat during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any way.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk as they are fueled by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Induction hobs are a popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. Best ovens UK lets them boil water faster than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with induction-compatible pots and can cost more than other types of hobs.

Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob, which offers an elegant appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models and is often the ideal choice for those who want a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to note that this model can become very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan designs in which they are an eye-catching feature. It requires a designated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is able to handle the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.

Hobs induction

A popular option for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. In the glass surface, there are coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to run 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 are also known as being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the space where the pan is set, which reduces the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs feature a safety feature that shuts the hob off when there isn't a pan or in the event that it is removed. This can reduce the amount of energy wasted.

Similar to gas hobs, induction models have a range of control types such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you adjust the power level by one movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and have a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.

In addition to the tech, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other hobs and are usually activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when the pan is placed over a cooking area.

Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require special cookware in order to work. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying the latest model.

Domino Hobs

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

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. However, they do take a bit of time to warm up and cool down, and are more expensive than other hob types.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is swift and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, and are also less energy efficient than other hobs.


Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more affordable and eco-friendly than other hob types, but they can be more expensive than gas and require specific cookware compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktops They are a chic and modern option. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls, according to your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will alert you if your hob is hot to the touch and may cause burns. A pause function can temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.