So , You've Bought Oven Hob ... Now What?
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface is hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob . It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible but they need an induction-compatible 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 is a wide selection of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show its position on the full-color display. It also has a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform 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 risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy to clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.