Types of
Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These allow you to control the heating zones at the click of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated via control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This prevents burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to register. There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the temperature. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a challenge when you live in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction
ovens hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction
best hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a 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 range of induction stoves are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the
hob will show you its position on a full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button to provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction
hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of safety. For example, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply that is fitted with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric
hob installed by a qualified electrician.