20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Hobs Fans Understand
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. It may take a while for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare many different food items and, for this reason it is essential to select the appropriate hob to suit your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a cooker that will meet your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular with chefs. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's leak. However, they are less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the traditional design of the hob and have been around for many years. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capability and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some have a visible flame indicator that tells you whether the hob is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs provided you get electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs , or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They usually have sleek stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive, and some even feature the power boost feature, which increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn, which can be a problem for people who are concerned about the environment. There are, however, models that don't release any CO2 while they're in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for those with children, as they're unlikely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is making sure to replace any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out grates and burner caps regularly. It is also essential to watch out for any signs of gas odour since it could indicate a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Make sure that the stove has cooled completely before cleaning to avoid severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and create a burn hazard.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic one is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options available, and allows you to easily change power levels and set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils, tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect the moment you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to look over our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working just as it should.