Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.

Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. They let you control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily particularly by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat to the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for quick cook times.

Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.

To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have to ensure your safety. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it, 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 being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated design requires extra attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.

The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will display its position on a full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are other clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The best hob electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with a power boost button for additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

However, there are things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most out of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.

If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven and hob hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide the delivery service across the country and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.