Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features like the rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. 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 well-maintained and operating efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
The 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 activated using control knobs. Some models have radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging your 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. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent 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 up to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This design is elevated and requires extra attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or a pilot light and the burners are controlled by hand. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When Best ovens is placed in a power zone the hob will display its location on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are other clever 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 in a precise manner.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at the 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 risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect 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 increasing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.