Blog entry by Fermin Malloy
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up with the various 'cooking rings designs that come with between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food). It is used to prepare all manner of meals and for this reason, it's important that you choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are flat, frameless design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there's a leak. However, they can be less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the traditional design of the hob and have been used for a long time. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer, as there is no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common option for home cooks due to its speedy heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens that are busy. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are better because you can move them easily. However, they are difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have a safety system that automatically stops gas supply once the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting an fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models available that don't emit any CO2 while they're being used. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily replaced in the event of damage.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long run because of their efficiency.
Despite their simple design, it's important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is making sure to replace any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's best oven to contact a gas professional for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize an electric field to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also believed to be more secure since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with an all-inclusive display that displays all options and allows you to alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with numerous small copper coils that are that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet under each coil is able to detect the time when the pan is placed. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen units to create a seamless and sleek look. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and Ovens Uk copper. Be sure to look over our other appliances too including refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning as it should.