Types of
ovens and hobsHobs are the center of any kitchen, no matter if you're cooking an kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are a variety of hob types to pick from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to heat up and cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek design and are simple to use. They work by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. Most have an opaque black surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use common kitchen cleaners. They don't have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly or children. They typically have the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, and an indicator of residual temperature which alerts you when an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the
oven with hob.
They cost more than electric hobs but cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who do not have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system so will not function correctly.
It is essential to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and typically is installed inside your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit by hand using matches or lighters. They are controlled by knobs that regulate the heat while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat when compared to electric models and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply and ventilation system to work. This means they are more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction
hobs oven. Gas hobs can also pose dangerous because they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and cost more than other types of hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models, and is the ideal choice for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this model can become extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional choice that's suitable for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan designs where it can serve as an accent piece. It requires a space and is usually fitted by an expert who is competent to manage the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
A popular option for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, create a magnetic field that causes an electric current to flow through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. As they only generate heat directly where a pan is placed, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It also helps save on energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan or in the event that it is removed. This helps reduce waste.
Like gas hobs, induction models are equipped with a range of control types, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles a standard cooker knob and lets you alter the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, having an enormous dial that can be turned to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are an alternative option. Hobs with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
As an additional piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors that work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other components of the appliance. They are usually activated by sensors or buttons, and they can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed on an area for cooking.
Induction hobs are limited due to the fact that they require special cookware in order to work. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not certain to work on all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base and certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always check the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. You can create an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electric elements that are heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use
ovens and hobs uk hard-wearing. However, they can take a bit of time to warm up and cool down and tend to be more expensive to operate than other
hob models.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, which uses a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive since the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are an innovative and increasingly popular type of hob, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more eco efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your kitchen worktop, are a stylish and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless design and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.
When buying a new stove, look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element once it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will alert you if your hob is hot to the touch and may cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily deactivate the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.