Types of Ovens


Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling the kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from and different hob styles that include electric, ceramic, and domino.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms. They could also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic whilst remaining easy to use. Ceramic hobs function by employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.

They have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. These hobs do not have open flames, therefore they are safer for families with elderly relatives or children. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options for added safety and a residual heat indicator which warns you when the area is still hot after the pan is removed from the stove.

They cost more than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a great option for those who do not have gas at their property. Like induction models, these are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system so will not function properly.

It is essential to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed can void the warranty and could cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually installed in your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually using matches or lighters, and controlled by various knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any manner.

The drawbacks of gas hobs are they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.

Induction hobs are another popular choice. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models, and offer precise temperature control. However, they only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a little more expensive than other types of hob.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. best ovens and hobs on both electric and induction models and is usually the ideal choice for those looking to add a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan designs where it can act as the focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.

Induction Hobs

A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to run through its base. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being much more efficient in energy use than traditional electric or gas models. Because they produce heat directly where the pan is situated, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. It can also help reduce energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which stops the stove if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further reducing waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs come with various control options including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you to adjust the power level in a simple motion. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be turned to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated that work with the hood in order to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and are typically activated by a button or sensor and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in the cooking zone.

The major drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, but you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before buying a new model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen, but need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.

The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. These are easy to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. They can take some time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs glow quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs are a brand new and increasingly popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally efficient and economical than other types of hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktops are a fashionable and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

When purchasing a new stove, make sure you look for features such as overheat protection. This shuts off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which warn you if the hob is too hot to contact and could cause burns. A pause function can temporarily disable the active cooking zones. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.