Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. They allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To ensure that your stove looks good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
These hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ an element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this can scratch the tempered-glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for searing steak and stir-fry. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to alter the heat level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem when you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. oven uk alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever gadgets, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with small space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black style. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their modern and sleek design that fits in well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of 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 ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.