It's The Perfect Time To Broaden Your Ovens Hobs Options
Types of Ovens
The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and there are various hob types to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up and cool off. These hobs only work with pans with flat bottoms. They could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent method of cooking. They offer a stylish and sleek design, while remaining simple to operate. The ceramic hobs work by using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with a black glazed surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use standard kitchen cleaner products. These hobs do not have open flames, therefore they are safer for families with children or elderly relatives. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as an indicator for residual heat which warns you when an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than an electric hob, but cheaper than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans that aren't the exact same dimensions as the element.
It is crucial to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob as working with electricity is possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically installed in your kitchen unit or countertop. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and controlled by a series of knobs that allow you to regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any way.
The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk as they are fueled by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction stove that makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. ovens can be found on both electric and induction models and is usually the best option for those looking to add a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of stove can become very hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional choice that's suitable for kitchens that are larger and open-plan designs where it can serve as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Hobs induction
A popular choice for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. In the glass surface, there are coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top of them emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs also have a reputation as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is set which helps reduce the amount of waste and energy used. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This reduces the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models come with various types of controls such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level with a simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are usually found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are another option. They have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs come with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated by a sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are restricted by the fact that they require specialized cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is suitable prior to purchasing an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
The potential of a domino hob is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and combine to create a modular cooking area that suits your needs.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and durable. They may take a while to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which utilizes a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive since the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and can be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming more popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern option with their flat-style design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models come with sleek frameless design and the option to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element once it exceeds an unsafe temperature. You should also check for residual heat indicators, which will warn you if the hob is hot to the point of contact and can cause burns. A pause function can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful if you have to leave the kitchen.