Types of Oven Hob

A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.

Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.

Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.

Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.

It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.

For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, often called a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, ovens uk elevated construction requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is essential to install a gas hob after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.

Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a magnetic base. If Best ovens '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 to choose from, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on a full-color display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.

One of our most popular models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great choice 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. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.


If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a an look at our wide 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 might have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.