A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete oven and hob range today.

Electric hobs are heated by different looking cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. It may take a while for them to heat up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a complete kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food). It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.

Induction and electric ceramic stoves are completely flat and frameless which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. However, they can be less efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.

Plate hobs have been around for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware and don't spread heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs can heat your pan directly rather than heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.

Gas hobs

A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that informs you whether the burner is on or off.


They cook food faster than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen as they are easy to move later. They aren't easy to install and might require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.

Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touchscreen controls and some have a an energy boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They are also less expensive than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.

It's worth mentioning that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the features that are typical of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 in operation.

Electric hobs

A favorite choice for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer numerous advantages over other kinds of cooker. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for those with children, since they're unlikely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily replaced in the event of damage.

Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.

Despite their simplistic design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. It is also essential to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour, as this could be a sign of a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It's best to call a professional gas technician for help if you suspect a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will help stop any accidental fires or spills!

Induction hobs

A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other stoves, and will reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and many have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.

Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and can pose a fire danger.

The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The simplest is the simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all the options available, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have numerous small copper coils tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It activates the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.

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