Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.

Look for features like rotary or touch controls. These allow you to control the heating zones by the click of a button, and also prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.

Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Some models use halogen elements which are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.

A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires particular care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. read full article feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a challenge if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preference and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.


Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have an iron base that is magnetized. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.

There are a range of induction hobs available, from budget models up to top brands that feature a TFT display with an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. There are speaking of to be expected.

Electric Hobs

The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For instance they cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is configured with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.

If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.