Types of Oven Hob

A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.

Look for features like buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.

The Ovens & Hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.

A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.

It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes even heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.

We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a specific time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Based on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a hassle for those who live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.

While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.

Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need an induction-compatible 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 range of induction stoves is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its position on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.

One of our most adored models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass that is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. For instance they cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around it.

There are a few aspects to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.

Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.