Types of
ovens HobsThe hob is at the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasted a chicken. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from along with a variety of hob types that include electric, ceramic domino, and electric.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to heat up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms. They may also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek appearance, while remaining simple to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to contemporary electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is tough and durable against chips and scratches.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use household cleaners. They don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with children or elderly relatives. They typically have the option of touch or rotary controls to ensure safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the
oven hob.
They are more expensive than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with the elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly.
It is crucial to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and create fire dangers in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and controlled with various knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any manner.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also dangerous because they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much faster than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has an elegant appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is usually the
best oven uk option for those who want modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool down and heat down than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are an ideal option for those looking for a sleek, efficient way to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field that causes an electric current to pass through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being a lot more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is situated, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the
hob and oven off if there is no pan detected or in the event that it is removed. This helps reduce waste.
Induction models, such as gas hobs come with various types of controls including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level by one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and have a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. These have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with built-in extractors which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are typically activated via the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed over a cooking zone.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific kind of cookware in order to operate. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with a magnetized base, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction stoves. However, it is recommended to always consult the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible prior to purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is ideal for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and match to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which then warm your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and hard-wearing. They can take some time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming more popular type of hob, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs However, they can be more expensive than gas and require specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktops are a fashionable and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless appearance and can be customized using buttons or dials, depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily deactivate all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.