A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of Ovens (www.ovensandhobs.uk) and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up with a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for you. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a hob to suit your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a frameless, flat design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring perfect for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there's a leak. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob that has been in use for a long time. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for cooks at home because of its fast heating functionality and easy control. You can usually find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some have a visible flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are a better option if you're planning to remodel your kitchen since they are easy to move later. They aren't easy to install and could require you to hack into your carpentry work. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls and some have a a power boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the standard features of a traditional gas model however they don't emit CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any design. They provide a range of advantages over other kinds. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with children as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and can be used for any cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, however they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is an issue. To avoid serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also help prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other hobs and can save energy in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs feature an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can be extremely hot.
Most induction hobs come with various control options that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that shows all options and lets you easily change power levels or set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped that are more sophisticated feature many copper coils of varying sizes that are placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is placed. It then activates the coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary copper and ceramic. Make sure to check out our other appliances too including fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your whole kitchen working as it should.