Types of Ovens

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether boiling the kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from along with various hob types such as electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take a while to heat up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great method of cooking. They have a fashionable and sleek aesthetic and are also simple to use. They work by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more modern designs. The majority feature an opaque black surface which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.

The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for those with family members or elderly relatives in the house. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator which warns you when an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.

They cost more than a basic electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model and can be a good option for those who do not have gas on their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with flat bases that maximize the surface contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pans and pots in the event that they are not exactly the same dimensions as the element.

It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and typically installed in your kitchen unit or countertop. The burners can be lit by hand using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any style.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of requiring ventilation and gas supply system to work. This means they are more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.

Induction hobs are a popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. best hobs is available on both induction and electric models and is usually the best option for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts where it can be used as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking for a sleek and efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the space where the pan is located which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that shuts off the hob if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, thereby reducing waste.

Like gas hobs and induction models come with a variety of control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and lets you alter the power level in a simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. These hobs have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs are available with extractors integrated which work with the hood to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when a pan is placed over a cooking zone.

The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are all commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always check the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a new model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that is suited to your needs.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. They may take a while to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.

The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs are bright and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and may be damaged by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and green than other hob types however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.


Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly into your kitchen worktop They are a chic and modern option. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized using buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.

When you are buying a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This shuts off the heating element once it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will warn you if the hob is hot to the point of contact and can cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.