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, such as gas, electric, and induction.

Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or a scrubbing pad.

The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.

A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.

It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This elevated design requires particular care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be problematic if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.

Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a damp cloth.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron, must have a magnetized 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. If a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its location on the full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may cost more because they require more energy.

Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or ovensandhobs.uk replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you might have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.