Types of Ovens


The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are various hob types to pick from such as electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take a while to warm up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans that have flat bottoms and could also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the tempered-glass surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, from traditional electric and gas burners to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with a black glazed surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

They have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. hobs oven do not contain open flames, therefore they are safe for families with elderly relatives or children. They typically have the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and an indicator of residual heat which warns you when the area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.

They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are an option for those who do not have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other types of hobs however only if the cookware you use has a flat base that maximises the contact surface with the elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore will not function properly.

It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work can be dangerous if not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and typically is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled by a series of knobs that allow you to manage the heat level while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security danger since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.

Induction hobs are another popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and are a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe 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 take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's a good fit for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can serve as an accent piece. It requires a designated space and is typically installed by a professional who will be competent to manage the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that can pose risks if not handled correctly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a favorite choice for those who prefer an elegant, efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current that be pushed through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also known for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the area in which the pan is set which means less the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that shuts off the hob if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs come with a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level in one simple movement. A dial control is similar, with a large dial which can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are usually found on more expensive induction models that have advanced features, are an alternative option. These have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and modify settings.

In addition to the tech, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other appliances and are usually activated by sensors or buttons and can be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in an area for cooking.

The main disadvantage of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to create the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction cooktops. However, you should always consult with the manufacturer to make sure that the pan you are using is compatible before buying the model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are the most basic type of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn create heat for your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. They can take some time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, that uses a row halogen bulbs under the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob a quick and flexible choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming more popular type of hob, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally green and economical than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your kitchen worktop are a fashionable and contemporary choice. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models come with a stylish frameless design, and the option to have dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which alert you if your hob is hot to the point of contact and can cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.