The Ultimate Guide To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require an best oven uk that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires special care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the temperature. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a region with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic's surface. An electric current that is alternating is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have 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.
A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for 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 best oven uk electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to complement most kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for ovens and hobs uk a white or black design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans and others include a power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only produces heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you choose the ideal best oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options ovens and hobs uk answer any questions you may have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.