A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs provide heat via different looking cooking rings that can range from four to six different power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety cooking methods, so it is crucial to select the best hob for you. There is a hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are flat, frameless design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another perfect for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there's a leak. However, they're less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You will typically find models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a supplier which generates renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. 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 could require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They typically have elegant, stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls, and some even feature an energy boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs come with a safety system that automatically stops gas supply when the flame is out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally starting a fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric ones, and they allow for precise temperature control.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of all types electric hobs provide a range of advantages over other types of cooker. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, which means less residual heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Most commonly used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with kids since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're read more typically more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as well as looking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. It's also important to look for any indications of gas odour as this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the stove is shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use magnets instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for their efficiency. Many people report an improvement in their overall energy bills when they change to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and pose a burn hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all the options, and allows you to easily change power levels and set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology have many copper coils of varying sizes that are that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil is able to detect the time when the pan is placed. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Make sure to check out our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.