Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.

The features to look for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working effectively.

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

Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

For optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, sometimes called gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the heat level. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be problematic when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible magnetic base. 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 is a wide selection of induction hobs that are available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob 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 small space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly 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 value for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. For example they cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient because 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 paired with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.

Why not take a look at our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.