Are Hobs The Best Thing There Ever Was
A Guide to ovens hobs and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings that can range from four to six power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for you. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs have a flat, frameless design that enhances the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heat and provide precise control. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction models or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a provider that generates renewable energy sources.
You can get gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The former are the best hob choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they are difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature lets you increase the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't release any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 at all while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat remains behind as the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than some gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.
Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families who have children, as they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be replaced when damaged.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour as it could indicate an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up faster than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also thought to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options with the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all options and lets you easily adjust the power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include lots of small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath 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 ovens and hobs uk and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or neatly integrated with your kitchen units to create an elegant and seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running as it should.