Types of Ovens

The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available, as well as various hob types, including ceramic, electric, and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, offering an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles from traditional gas burners to contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have a black-glazed finish that is tough and durable against scratches and chips.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They do not contain open flames, therefore they are safe for families with children or elderly relatives. They usually come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and an indicator of residual temperature which alerts you when the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the hob.

They cost more than electric hobs but cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient if you use cookware with a flat bottom that maximizes the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognise pots and pans in the event that they are not the exact same dimensions as the element.

It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit manually with matches or lighters, and are controlled by a series of knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.

The disadvantages of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also dangerous because they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than other types of hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of model can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.

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 top of them emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan while the cooktop stays cool.


Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. Because ovens and hobs uk generate heat directly where a pan is located This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs have an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.

Like gas hobs, induction models are equipped with a variety of control options such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be turned to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs are available with extractors integrated that work in conjunction with the hood in order to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are typically activated through an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when the pan is placed over a cooking zone.

The main disadvantage of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before buying an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but want to explore cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle.

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, they do take a bit of time to cool down and heat down and tend to be more expensive to run than other hob models.

The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface in order to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this type of hob a fast and flexible option. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more eco green and economical than other types of hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and contemporary option with their flat-style design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models come with elegant frameless designs, and the ability to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will inform you when your hob is hot to point of contact and can cause burns. A pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a time.