Types of oven hob (helpful resources)

A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven uk to heat your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.

The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. They allow you to control the heating zones by the touch of a button, and Baking Essentials also prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good best ovens and hobs uk working efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.

The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.

A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent 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, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.

For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place 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 no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be problematic when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.

Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all 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.

There is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also 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 exactly.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply 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 risks are expected.

Electric Hobs

The best ovens and hobs uk electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For example they cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to warn 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 only produces heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.

There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is configured with the right cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most out of them. They may cost more because they require more energy.

Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.