10 Unexpected Ovens Hobs Tips
Types of Ovens
The hob is the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available, as well as different hob styles such as 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 only work with pans that have flat bottoms. They could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface, which is tempered, to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a variety of styles from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black-glazed finish that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any household cleaner. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for those with children or elderly relatives in the house. They typically feature control knobs that are rotary or touch to ensure safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature which alerts you when a zone remains hot after removing the pan from the oven.
They cost more than a standard electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. best ovens and hobs could be a good choice for those that do not have gas on their property. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the contact surface with the elements. The heating system won't recognise pots and pans if they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It's important to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob as working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty, and result in future fire hazards. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically built into your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit manually with matches or a lighter. They are controlled by knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any style.
The disadvantages of gas hobs are they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric ones and they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob which employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing the water to boil 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.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models and is often the best choice for those who prefer modern, sleek design to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is suitable for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can serve as the focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which includes dealing with gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, create a magnetic field that creates an electric current to pass through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. Since they generate heat directly where a pan is located, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This also helps save on energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that will shut off the appliance when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with a variety of control options such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, usually found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are a different option. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work with the hood to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen, and to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are typically activated by a sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking zone.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has a magnetized base and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction hobs. However, it is recommended to always consult the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before purchasing the model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is perfect for those who have a small kitchen but still want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and match to create a modular cooking area that is suited to your needs.
The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates which in turn heat your cookware. These are easy to use, inexpensive and durable. They may take a while to cool down and heat and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which uses a row of halogen bulbs under a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob an easy and flexible choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other hob styles However, they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that seamlessly blends into your kitchen worktop are a fashionable and modern option. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models feature sleek frameless design and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.