15 Things You Don t Know About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Every home should have an oven and hob, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food). It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's important to choose the right hob for your needs. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are completely flat and frameless, adding to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring perfect for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular among chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they have built-in safety mechanisms for flame failure that shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the classic type of oven hob that has been in use for a long time. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not the best oven choice for cookware made of 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 hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating functionality and easy control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They heat food quicker than electric or induction models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best ovens and hobs uk choice because they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. Stainless steel trims are often employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric ones, and they allow for precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 while they're being used. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they're still equipped with the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than certain gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Most often found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be replaced in the event of damage.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the grates and burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. It is recommended to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is that there is a problem. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the stove is shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also stop any accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize magnets instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up faster than other types of hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and they are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become extremely hot.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The simplest is a simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all options and allows you to easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will sense when you place your pan. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Be sure to look over our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your whole kitchen working as it should.