Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They 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 stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat to the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use 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 overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require special attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by an igniter and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to alter the heat level according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over 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 is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need a magnetic base. If best hobs uk '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 hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's position on a full-color display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range 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. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. For instance, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the surrounding air.
There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.
If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.