Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. They let you control the heating zones at the press of a button, and also prevent them from being easily knocked over, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat through the glass's surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to use the correct 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 can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the level of heat. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a challenge if you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable 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 can ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. 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 hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location in full-color when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in 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 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. 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 models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not 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 recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not check out our wide selection 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 available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.