Types of ovens hobs (https://www.metooo.io/)

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling an kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles and there are different hob types to pick from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take some time to warm up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic, while remaining easy to operate. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the tempered-glass surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.

They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly or children. They usually come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that warns you if an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.

They are more expensive than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be a good option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs but only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the contact between the elements. The heating system won't recognise pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element.

It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity could be hazardous if not done correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen unit or countertop. The burners can be lit manually using matches or a lighter. They are controlled by knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's a great choice for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and can take longer to heat up and cool down compared to gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts where it can act as an accent piece. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favorite choice for those who prefer an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field which causes an electric current to run through its base. This generates heat which quickly warms the food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the space where the pan is set, which reduces the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs feature the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there isn't a pan or in the event that it is removed. This reduces the amount of energy wasted.

Like gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to a standard cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, with a large dial which can be turned to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. These have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and modify settings.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and typically activated with sensors or buttons, and they can also be set to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction hobs. However, you should always check with the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before buying the model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and combine to create a modular cooking space that suits your needs.

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements. They then warm your cookware. They are easy to use, cheap and long-lasting. However, they may take a little time to heat up and cool down and tend to be more expensive than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of with halogen lamps that sit on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob an easy and quick choice. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob types, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice, with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktops to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.

When buying a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which will warn you if the hob is hot to contact and could cause burns. A pause function can temporarily disable the active cooking zones. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.