Are Hobs The Best Thing There Ever Was?
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide 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 provide heat via different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook all manner of food items and, for this reason it's crucial to choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a frameless, flat design that enhances the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is great for busy families. They are quick to heat up and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there is leak. They can be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cookware made of cast iron and do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're more secure than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is on or off.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. However, they are difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have elegant, stainless steel trims, that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Some gas hob s come with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply when the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally setting off the fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they have all the features that are typical of gas models, but emit no CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less heat remains behind after the cookware is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. They're also a good choice for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat which is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, but they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect a problem. To avoid damage that could be serious ensure that the stove is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use magnets instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This lets them heat up faster than other types of hobs and can help save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get extremely hot.
The majority of induction hobs have different types of controls that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display which displays all the options and lets you easily alter the power levels or set timers. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or neatly integrated with your kitchen units for a seamless and sleek look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen work properly.