Types of ovens hobs (additional reading)

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available along with a variety of hob types that include electric, ceramic domino, and electric.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to cool down or heat down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms and could also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

These hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safer for families with children or elderly relatives. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator for residual heat that warns you when a zone is still hot after the pan has been removed from the stove.

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

It is important to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work can be dangerous if not done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed can void the warranty and cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually is installed inside your kitchen counter or unit. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually with matches or lighters and are controlled by knobs that allow you to control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any way.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric ones and they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also dangerous because they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.

Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models, and also provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models and is often the best hob uk option for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool down and heat down compared to electric or gas models.

Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a dedicated space and is typically installed by a professional who will be capable of handling the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can present risks if not handled correctly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are a favorite option for those looking for a sleek and efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being much more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area where the pan is located which helps reduce the amount of waste and hob energy used. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs come with a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob and come with a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are another option. They feature a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.

Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated that work in conjunction with the hood to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are typically activated through a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when a pan is placed over a cooking area.

The major drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process, and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and certain non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs. However, you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before buying the latest model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino best hob uk is ideal for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. You can create an open kitchen by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, they can take a little time to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob an easy and quick choice. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, a brand new kind of hob that is becoming more popular, utilize 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 will require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless appearance and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preference.

When buying a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element when it gets to a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.