How To Save Money On Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it looking good and working efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use halogen elements which are more effective. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. Ovens & Hobs is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires particular care when using or cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. The latest models have an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the level of heat. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in a place with an unreliable or erratic supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic base. 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 is a wide selection of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to premium brands that have a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking needs. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a black or a white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For instance they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker - most require a specific power supply configured with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're considering building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take to look through our vast range of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.