Types of oven hob (moved here)

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

The features to look for include rotary, touch best ovens and hobs controls for position. They let you control the heating zones by the click of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks good and 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 transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Certain models have Halogen elements that are more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.

A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas best hobs uk should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.

While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

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

The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel 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 Best place to buy oven and hob a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.

There are a range of induction hobs to choose from that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have TFT displays and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show you its position on the full-color display. It also has a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for 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 top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a variety of options that can meet your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others have an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.

But, there are a few things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the most from them. They may cost more because they use more energy.

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 perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.