Ten Stereotypes About Hobs That Aren't Always True
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. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up before cooling down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food items). It is used to cook a variety of methods, so it is crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each controlled independently by an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring which is ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular among chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they have built-in safety systems for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron, and they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks because of its fast heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner to cook stir-fry. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the hob is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than electric or induction models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are better because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easy to clean. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently used, and are used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have a safety system that automatically stops gas supply when the flame has gone out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally starting an fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and also provide precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a conventional gas stove but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
A common choice for kitchens of every style, electric hobs offer many advantages over other kinds of cookers. First, best hobs tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, which means less residual heat is left behind after the cookware is taken off. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Most commonly used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. They're also a good option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily repaired when damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down quicker, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, however they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and clearing out burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, since they could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It's best to call a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other stoves and can save you energy over time. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and most 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 a magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and create a burn danger.
Most induction hobs come with different control types, the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark on the top of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that shows all options and allows you to change power levels or set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils that are tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will sense 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 appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.