Then You've Found Your Oven Hob ... Now What?
Types of Oven Hob A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction. Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs offer style and function in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively. Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Certain models include a radiant element that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses. Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings. For maximum performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered. To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of certain zones or pots – great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing “Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature. Gas Hobs A gas hob, sometimes called gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners. A traditional gas hob is lit by matches or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility. Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be an issue when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas hob after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols. Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob. Hobs induction Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of an evaporating 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 pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down. Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth. The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. 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 premium brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power. Induction hobs equipped with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated. Electric Hobs The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans while others have an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult. Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it. There are Recommended Reading to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We recommend installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to benefit the most from them. They are also more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs. Why not take a look at our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.