Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.

Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, particularly if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To ensure that your stove looks well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.

These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.

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

It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.

To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer 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 which shuts off the stove at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have to ensure your safety. 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 no activity is detected for a set period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can then be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level as needed. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be an issue if you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.

While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a style.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.

Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.

The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. Cast iron, oven hob stainless steel and certain non-stick pans 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, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its location on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, 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 that have an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with small space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include an energy boost button to provide additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that is in line with the designs of today's kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.

But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.

If you're considering the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.