Types of Ovens

The hob is the heart of any kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are speaking of and sizes to choose from along with various hob types such as electric, ceramic domino, and electric.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take some time to warm up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms and may also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic and are also simple to operate. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones, with the majority featuring a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use most common kitchen cleaners. These hobs do not have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly or children. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch to ensure safety as well as an indicator for residual heat that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.

They cost more than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They can be a good option for those who do not have gas at their home. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with an elongated base that maximizes the contact between the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element.

It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity could be hazardous if not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and result in future fire hazards. It's a small cost to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit manually with a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any style.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Another popular option is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water faster than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can cost more than other types of hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great option for those who want to build modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to note that this type can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts where it can serve as the focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who prefer a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnet field that causes an electric current to flow through its base. This generates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is set, which reduces waste and energy costs. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the hob off if there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This helps reduce waste.

Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a variety of control options that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to a standard cooker knob and lets you 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. Touchscreen hobs are another option, typically used on more expensive and advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and are usually activated by a button or sensor, and they can also be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed on an area for cooking.


Induction hobs are limited due to the requirement for special cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Recommended Reading with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to purchasing an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. You can create an open kitchen by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest type of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, they can take a while to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive to run than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, and are also less efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more eco efficient and economical than other types of hobs, however they can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless design and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. The pause feature can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.