7 Things About Oven Hob You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a a match. oven uk come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be an issue when you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron 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.
A variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on a full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set a 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 via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others have an energy boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and sleek design that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For example, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require a power supply that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best from them. They are also more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the right oven hob that will match your style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.