A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs are heated by different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home should have a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food). It is used to cook all manner of meals, and as such it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Suggested Website and induction stoves are completely flat and frameless which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal 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 costly than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their quick heat and provide precise control. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly rather than heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They are safer as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas stove 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 have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to run than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. They can be difficult to put in and might require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Certain models come with control knobs that are touch-sensitive, and some even feature the power boost feature, which enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
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 gas hobs that are zero-emission,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A popular choice for kitchens of every style electric hobs have numerous advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.
Most commonly used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with kids since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, however they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls, and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. It's also important to watch for any indications of gas odour as it could indicate an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will help prevent accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have a "bridging zone" that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for their efficiency. Many people report reductions in their energy usage when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can be very hot.
The majority of induction hobs have various control options that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all the options and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers, and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to look over our other appliances as well including refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.