Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.

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

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning effectively.

Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.

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

For optimal performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.

For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, often known as gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.

One of the major drawbacks for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge if you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances are still popular in some regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 are a variety of induction hobs to choose from that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature a TFT display with a full menu of operation. The hob will display the pan's position on a full-color display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.

One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to complement all kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something difficult.

Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of safety. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only produces heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.

But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.

If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.