Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, including gas, electric, and induction.
hobs uk to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the click of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively it is essential to maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat to the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great security 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 to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called a gas cooker or gas stove is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This elevated construction does require particular care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are controlled by hand. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. best hobs is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to wash. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you use the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a magnetic 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.
There are a range of induction hobs to choose from that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will show the pan's location in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere 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 stove with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with 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 affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones in order to fit larger pans and others include a power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For example they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not take a look at our wide collection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.