Ten Common Misconceptions About Hobs That Aren't Always True
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook all manner of food items and, for this reason, it's important that you select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a frameless, flat design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a an even surface that 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 a favorite among chefs due to their instant heat and provide precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure, which stop the gas supply in the event of leaks. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob that has been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top with electric or gas rings that heat up 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 whole surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You will typically find models that offer between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some have a visible flame indicator that shows you whether the oven is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that lets you increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that stops gas supply when the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally starting the fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families with children, as they're less likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be replaced in the event of damage.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. For instance, cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls, and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It is also essential to watch out for any signs of gas odour since this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect an issue. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely before cleaning to avoid any serious damage. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They utilize an electric field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates the magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer as the cooktop surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic is an easy touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others come with an entire display that shows all the options, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology have many copper coils of varying sizes that are placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or neatly integrated with your kitchen units to create sleek and seamless design. hob uk includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Be sure to check out our other appliances as well, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working as it should.