A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking methods, so it is crucial to select the best hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless and add to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due to the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas and have no open flame, and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you if the burner is on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are a better option when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because they are easy to move later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some models even have an energy boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame is gone to ensure that you aren't at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of every style, electric hobs offer numerous advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They are also a good option for families with children as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll help you save money on energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and the way they convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
hobs oven is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. For example 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. Be on the lookout for gas odours since they could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid any serious damage make sure that the stove is shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs and can save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many have reported a reduction in their overall energy costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas hobs, which can become very hot and pose a burn hazard.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The most basic one is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all options and allows you to change power levels and set timers. Induction hobs 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 detects the time when the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a a sleek, seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure you check out our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.