Lonnie Cundiff

Types of ovens and hobs uk hobs (official site)

Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether cooking an kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up or cool off. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They have a fashionable and sleek appearance and are also easy to operate. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the tempered-glass surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.

The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use most standard kitchen cleaner products. These hobs do not have open flames, therefore they are safe for families with elderly or children. They usually feature control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the stove.

They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who do not have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient if you cookware has a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with the elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system and will not function correctly.

It is crucial to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and are controlled by various knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any way.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply system and ventilation to function. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Another popular option is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that are compatible with induction and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which offers a sleek appearance and is easy to wipe clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great option for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and takes longer to cool down and heat down than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts where it can be used as a focal point. It requires a space and is typically fitted by an expert who is competent to manage the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that can present risks if not handled correctly.

Hobs Induction

A popular option for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to pass through the base. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also known as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area where the pan is located, which reduces waste and energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature which shuts off the best hob if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.

Induction models, including gas hobs, have various control options including dial, slide ovens and hobs touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level by one movement. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on higher-end and more advanced induction models. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and adjust settings.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and typically activated with sensors or buttons or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in a cooking zone.

The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to be magnetic to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs. However, you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before buying the latest model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are ideal for those with a smaller kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, and durable. They may take a while to cool and heat up and are more costly to operate than other types of hobs.

The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic substrate in order to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob an easy and responsive option. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, and are also less energy efficient than other hobs.

Induction hobs, a new type of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob uk styles however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models feature sleek frameless design and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

When purchasing a new stove, be sure to look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it reaches a dangerous temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which will inform you when your hob is too hot to touch and may cause burns. A pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off all active cooking zones and can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a while.