Herbert Printz

Choosing an Oven With Hob

If you're looking to improve or build a new kitchen, an oven and a hob may be the best solution.

Hob-equipped ovens are available as gas cookers and electric cookers. Gas cookers come with an array (usually four) of burners and an oven. Electric cookers come with an oven and hob as well as a surface for cooking.

What is a hob precisely?

Hobs (also known as cooker tops or cooktops) are the primary component of a stove that cooks pots on. Gas, electric and ceramic models are available. Some models even feature dual fuel burners - combining the fast cooking times of an oven with the instant heating capability of a gas hob.

A hob can be installed either as a freestanding piece of equipment or as an integral part of a kitchen built-in. When choosing a hob for your home, you'll have to consider its dimensions, energy efficiency, and user-friendliness. You will also need to determine which kind of hob will best suit your cooking style. Different types provide different levels of performance.

Gas hobs, for example, are popular among people who like stir-frying and cooking because they are simple to use and offer instant heat. However, if you're looking for the cleanest option, then induction hobs might be the way to go. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets. They only use electricity when you're actually cooking, and turn off automatically when the pan is removed from the hob.

You need to have a gas line in place before you can install a new hob. This will ensure that the hob is safe for use and you won't encounter any issues when it comes to cooking.

Hobs typically come with a range of controls, based on the type you select. Rotating controls are commonly found on solid sealed plate and gas hobs, which allow you to adjust the quantity of heat you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are typically found on ceramic or induction hobs. They allow you to select the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs are also equipped with child and safety locks, which means you can be sure your guests and children won't unintentionally change the settings.

If you're a keen cook, it might be worth investing in a hob that has additional features like the ability to pause or a timer. They can help you to cook at a time and can help you avoid overcooking or burning your food. They can also save you time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.

What are the benefits of hobs?

A hob can be an excellent addition to any kitchen, providing advantages like simplicity of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of cookware. It is important to consider these benefits against other factors like cost and lifestyle compatibility when selecting the right hob for your home.

One of the most popular types of hobs is a gas hob. They're simple to operate and offer a high quality of heat control but they do require a gas connection which isn't always accessible in all homes. They also take longer to warm up and cool down, which can make them less convenient for everyday cooking.

Induction hobs offer another alternative for a sleek, efficient solution. They work by creating an electromagnetic field around the pan to ensure that only the cookware is hot and not the surface of your hob. This means they're safe, easy to clean and can boil water in just seconds. They're more expensive and only work using metal pots, which are made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. If you have pacemaker, it is important to ensure that an induction cooker won't affect it as these types of cookware emit magnetic fields.

Another type of hob is a combination gas and electric model. This is a great option for those who want the versatility of both gas and induction but don't want to invest the money. You can switch between both. For example, you can sauté on the gas side and simmer on the induction side. This lets you create more complicated dishes while reducing costs.

Other features available on numerous hobs include a pause function that allows you to halt the heating of all zones simultaneously, helping to prevent accidents in busy kitchens. There are also child and control locks, which prevent children or other people from unintentionally changing the settings.

Many hobs come with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage tray, which makes cleaning much easier. The majority of surfaces can be cleaned with the use of a few sprays. However, stubborn stains and marks can be removed with hob scrapers.

What is the difference between an oven and a hob?

A hob is used to cook pots and other cooking vessels. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction. Some come with features that make cooking easier while others are just decorative.

Ceramic hobs, like, are known to be attractive and easy to clean. They use electrical energy to heat the components beneath the glass surface. This transfers heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient, since they only heat your pans. However, they can take a little longer to cool down and heat down, and could be more prone to scratches or chips If you're not cautious.

Glass on gas is a different kind of hob. They are similar to the traditional gas hobs, but have the added benefit that they come with elegant, sleek glass finish. They're also generally simpler to clean since there are no burner rings or hot flames to worry about. They're more expensive and it can be difficult to find replacement parts in the event that they fail.

Induction hobs are a modern and energy-efficient alternative. Electromagnets are used to generate electricity, which is used to heat the bottom of the pans, not the surface. They are very fast to heat up and cool down. They are also safe as they only heat when you place a pan in the zone. However they're only compatible with certain kinds of pans (usually steel or cast iron), and can be more costly than other hobs.

Additionally, there are dual fuel models, which provide the best of both worlds by making use of an electric oven and gas hob. This is the perfect appliance for anyone looking for a multi-purpose appliance that can boil, fry, and warm up food.

How do I install a hob?

Choosing a hob and oven that work together, especially in a kitchen with a small space requires careful planning. The cooker should be small enough to be able to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang, make sure it doesn't hinder access to and out of oven. This can be resolved by a drop-down door.

Also, consider the height of your hob and oven. It can be difficult to lift the hot roasting pan when it is too low. If you also have children, you should think about the proximity of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are within easy reach of kids, whereas freestanding cooktops are usually higher and can be moved back towards the back splash for additional safety.

The best choice for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking, and whether you prefer a gas or an electric hob. If you entertain guests often and need a bigger oven, a larger one might be more suitable for your requirements. Likewise, if you love baking, then an electric oven that has a hob is a practical choice, as it allows you to cook simultaneously and bake.

You should also consider that the electrical system in your home must be able handle the power of the appliance you choose. It could be expensive to install a new electric appliance or switch from gas to electricity. You will need to rewire the entire kitchen.

The most secure way to connect your new appliance is to have it hardwired by an electrician who is a professional. Utilizing an extension lead or adapter is risky and could cause damage to your appliance.

When selecting an electrician ensure that they are licensed and certified by a trade association such as Trusted Traders. This will help you to find a local electrician who has the appropriate experience for the job. Asking for quotes from several tradespeople is also important, as prices can vary greatly. The best method to do this is to use the search tool on our website that will assist you to locate a reputable tradesperson near you.