Types of Ovens

The hob is the center of any kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to choose from including gas, electric 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. They only work with pans with flat bottoms and may also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing a sleek and stylish aesthetic while remaining simple to use. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with a black glazed surface which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.

hobs oven have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives living in the home. They typically have rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as an indicator of residual heat which warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.

They cost more than a basic electric cooker but are less expensive than an induction model and can be a good choice for those who do not have gas on their residence. Similar to induction models are more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system and will not function properly.

It is essential to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed can void the warranty and cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled by knobs that permit you to control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any way.

The downsides of gas hobs are they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric ones and they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.

Another popular option is an induction hob which uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much more quickly than gas models, and allowing precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a little more expensive than some other types of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models and is usually the best choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and can take longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models.

Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional choice that is suitable for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan designs where they can be the focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically fitted by a professional who will be able to handle the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can pose risks if they are not handled properly.

Hobs induction

A popular choice for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnet field that creates an electric current to pass through its base. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food in the pan while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned as being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the space where the pan is set which helps reduce waste and energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature that stops the stove when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs, have a variety of control types such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one simple motion. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and have a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs come with extractors integrated which work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the other hobs and are usually activated through a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when a pan is placed over a cooking zone.

The major drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to create the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are all commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before buying an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option offered by Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.

The most basic of hob types, solid plate hobs use electrical elements heated by sealed plates that then heat your cookware. They are easy to use, cheap and long-lasting. They can take some time to cool and heat up and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob a quick and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs, a new type of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more economical and green 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 into your kitchen worktop They are a chic and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models come with elegant frameless designs, and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.


The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which warn you if the hob is too hot to touch and may cause burns. A pause function can temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.