Types of Ovens

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether cooking the kettle or roasting a chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up and cool off. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing a sleek and stylish aesthetic while remaining simple to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one go - you can even use common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames, making them a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives in the house. They usually feature rotary or touch controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot after removing the pan from the best ovens and hobs oven and hob (click here to find out more).

They are more expensive than an electric hob, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. Like induction models they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has an elongated base that maximizes the contact between the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.

It's important to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen counter or unit. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled with knobs that permit you to control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any manner.

Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also dangerous because they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Induction hobs are another popular choice. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker 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.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers a sleek appearance and is easy to wipe clean. This kind of hob is available in both electric and induction models. It's a great choice for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models.

Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be the focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is able to handle the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.

Hobs induction

A popular choice for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pan is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current that flow through the bottom of the pan. This generates heat which quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is situated This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that stops the stove when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs, induction models have a range of control types such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level with just one movement. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are another option. These have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

Induction hobs are available with extractors integrated that work in conjunction with the hood to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are typically activated through the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when an oven hob is placed over a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has a magnetized base and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction stoves. However, you should always consult 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 want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option offered by Siemens you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are easy to use, cheap and durable. They can take a long time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, that uses a row halogen bulbs under a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is swift and responsive because the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs, a new type of hob becoming more popular, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other hob styles however they are more expensive than gas and require specific cookware compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that seamlessly blends into your kitchen worktop are a fashionable and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, oven with hob an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models come with sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

When purchasing a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it exceeds a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.