A Guide to
Ovens and HobsOvens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook various meals, and as such it is essential to select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There is a hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that enhances the elegant appearance of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular among chefs. They are also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply if there's an issue with the gas. They may be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not the
best ovens uk choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan, rather than heating the
hob uk surface as traditional hobs do. They're more secure than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You will typically find models that offer between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The former are the
best ovens and hobs choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. They aren't easy to install and might require you to rip out your carpentry work. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%,
Premium Kitchen Appliances meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Some gas hobs come with an automatic safety feature that stops gas supply once the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting an fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they have all the features that are typical of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A common choice for kitchens of every style electric hobs have many advantages over other types of cookers. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Most commonly found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs have an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. They are also a good choice for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and are easily repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, however they'll help you save money on energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and the way they convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's crucial to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour as it could indicate an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's
best ovens and hobs to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. Make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any serious damage. This will also help stop accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and most have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field for heating. Induction-compatible pans need to have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many report an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and create a burn hazard.
The majority of induction hobs have different types of controls, the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all options and allows you to adjust the power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils that are tightly connected under the cooktop.
