14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Oven Hob

Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.

Look for features like rotary control, touch or position. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly ideal for cooking in short time.

Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface is hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the glass.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter for it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also called a gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied 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. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.

A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or the pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat according to the need. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee 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 are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.

The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. 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 are a variety of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.

Electric Hobs

The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who like the ease of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.

Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.

But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric best hob uk installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best hobs from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.

Why not take a look at our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.