15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. best oven uk Ovens & Hobs allow you to control the heating zones at the touch of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have to provide 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 make use of natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a matches. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be problematic when you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a 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.
A variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan in full-color when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that is then absorbed by the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require a power supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.