A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's important to choose the right hob for you. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are frameless, flat design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones, each of which is controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heating and precise control. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there is an issue with the gas. However, they can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cookware made of cast iron and do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common option for home cooks because of its fast heating capability and easy control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They heat food quicker than electric or induction models and are therefore ideal for busy kitchens. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a company which generates renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they can be difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as a power boost function that lets you boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply when the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally setting off a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and also provide precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 at all while they're being used. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They are also a good option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out grates and burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours, since they could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect a problem. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning it in order to prevent any severe damage. This will also help to stop accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs have the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many report reductions in their energy usage when they change to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become extremely hot.
The majority of induction hobs have different control types that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all options and allows you to alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects when the pan is placed. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
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