Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat to the glass's surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be problematic when you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware 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 top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to complement the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made from glass, which is clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is configured with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. Best place to buy oven and hob are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.