Is Hobs The Best Thing There Ever Was?
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Every home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance that can roast and bake food). It is used to cook a variety of methods, and it's important to choose the right hob for you. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a cooker that will meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are completely flat and frameless and add to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sautéing the sausages on a different. This is perfect for busy families. They heat quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular among chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in case of leaks. However, they can be less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know whether the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than induction models or electric models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to operate than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a provider that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The latter are a better option if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because they are easy to move later. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They often feature sleek stainless steel trims that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply once the flame goes out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally starting an fire. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that emit no CO2 when in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the standard features of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They're also a great option for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. hobs and ovens can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier 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 almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it is important to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as well as looking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to help if you suspect an issue. Always make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They utilize an electric field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs and help save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they are equipped with safety features like automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and create a burn risk.
The majority of induction hobs have different control types, the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all the options, and lets you adjust the power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect the moment you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be easily integrated into kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen work properly.