So You've Bought Oven Hob ... Now What?
Wiki Article
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs, such as electric, gas, and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from being in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can then be controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas, which can be a problem when you live in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is important to consider the utility and infrastructure costs before selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is passed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is ovens and hobs uk 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 range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your 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 values for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a range of options that will suit your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most from them. They can be more expensive because they require more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.