Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are different types of Ovens & Hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.

The features to look for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They allow you to control the heating zones with the press of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.

The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models include radiant elements that emits heat across the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.

Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has a minimum size of 30cm to register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have 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 up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. 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 coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated construction does require special care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or a pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and follow strict safety guidelines.

Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.

Like other modern hobs, induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.

The main limitation with induction cooking is that you must have suitable cookware for it. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and 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.

There is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with TFT displays and a full menu of operation. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its position on a full-color display, and also have an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob using bluetooth to control the power precisely.

Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking needs. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed 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 benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.

If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide range of appliances? 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 might have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.