Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.

Look for features like rotary, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.

Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.

A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.

For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, sometimes called a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated construction requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem when you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's utility ovens and hobs uk infrastructure costs before choosing a type.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.

Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic base. If you'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.

A variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan in full-color when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.

One of our most adored models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to match all kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials and come with many options to fit your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that is in line with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.

There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.

If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a to look through our vast range of appliances? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.