A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Stoves and ovens can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it a a sleek and modern feel. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs heat up using different looking cooking rings that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to get warm and cool down.

Hobs of different types

The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook various meals, and as such it's crucial to select the best hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.

Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that enhances the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.

Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular among chefs. They're also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off gas flow if there's leak. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.

Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. There are usually models with between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner to cook stir-fry. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the oven is on or off.

They cook food faster than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.

You can choose to buy gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The latter are the better choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they can be moved easily later. They aren't easy to install, and may require you to rip out your carpentry work. This isn't a good choice for every home.

They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that lets you boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.

Some gas hobs come with a safety system that automatically stops gas supply once the flame goes out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally setting off an fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.

Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits zero CO2.

Electric hobs

A favorite choice for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other kinds of cooker. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for those with children, as they're unlikely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired if damaged.

In contrast to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and are suitable for any cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money in the long term due to their high efficiency.

Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning ovens hobs using non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help to prevent any accidental fires or spills!

Induction hobs

Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat up faster than other types of hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.


Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can connect two zones to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can become very hot.

The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with many copper coils of varying sizes that are that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.

All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a a sleek, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen work properly.