Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or ovensandhobs position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat through the glass's surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of a minimum size of 30cm to make it register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. 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 cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need 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 high-end brands with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full colour display, with a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established 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 electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have an energy boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.