Question: How Much Do You Know About Hobs?
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up with various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for your needs. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a cooker that will meet your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs are flat, frameless design that enhances the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring which is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there's an issue with the gas. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and they are harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional type of hob and have been around for decades. They feature a flat top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan - instead of heating the surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. There are usually models with between two and six burners. hob and oven include a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because you can move them easily. However, they are difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature lets you boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's important to note that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. These gas hobs that are zero-emission or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a conventional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Most often found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and stylish appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a popular option for families with children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily repaired if damaged.
Unlike hobs oven , which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, however they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect a problem. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other types of hobs and help save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field that is used 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 on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many report reductions in their overall energy costs when they change to one. They are also thought to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can become very hot and create a burn risk.
Most induction hobs come with different types of controls, the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you adjust the power levels or set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil senses the time when the pan is placed. It then activates the coil to fit the pan's shape and size.
All of our ovens and stoves are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated with your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen function properly.