Types of Ovens

The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from along with a variety of hob types that include electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up or cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a fantastic method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek appearance and are also easy to operate. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones The majority of them feature a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and durable against scratches and chips.

They have smooth, flat surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for people who have young children or elderly relatives living in the home. They typically come with rotary or touch controls for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that warns you if an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.

They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a good option for those that do not have gas on their residence. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the surface contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same size as the element.


It is crucial to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob as working with electricity is potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and create fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop will be safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It has a variety of burners which can be lit manually using matches or lighters and are controlled by various knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring ventilation and gas supply system to function. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Induction hobs are a popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water quicker than gas models and provide precise temperature control. However, they only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than some other types of hob.

Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models and is usually the best option for those who want modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to know that this model can become extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is ideal for homes with large kitchens and open-plan designs where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking for a sleek and efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnet field that creates an electric current to pass through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they're gas or electric. Since they produce heat directly where the pan is situated, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that stops the stove in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs, come with various control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you alter the power level with just one movement. A dial control is similar, having a large dial which can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs are another option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pot is placed on a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to create the electromagnetic process. However it isn't guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction hobs. However, it is recommended to always consult the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible before buying the model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino hob is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to experiment with cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens grill.

The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, hob uk may take a little time to cool down and heat down and tend to be more expensive to run than other hob models.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which uses a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and responsive option. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are an innovative and becoming increasingly popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more eco green and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless design and can be customized using dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.

Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which will warn you if the hob is too hot to touch and may cause burns. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.