A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of
ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings designs that come with between four and six different power levels. They can take some time to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food). It is used to prepare all manner of food items and, for this reason it is essential to select the best hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs have a frameless, flat design that improves the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's a leak. However, they can be less efficient than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob that has been in use for many years. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the
best oven uk choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the whole surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster at heating food than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are the
best hobs uk choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because they can be moved easily later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have touchscreen controls and some have a a power boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that do not emit CO2 while in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any style. They have a variety of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They're also a great option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are able to be replaced if damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out the grates and burner caps regularly. It is also essential to watch for any indications of gas odour since this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize an electric field to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs and save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric
hobs and ovens that can become very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic one is an easy touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all options and lets you easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Modern induction hobs feature lots of small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our
hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper.