Blog entry by Jimmie Toussaint
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which could be problematic when you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popular with our customers who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs uk are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick pans are all compatible, but they must have a magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There are a range of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to premium brands that have TFT displays with a full menu of operation. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button enabling you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. No health effects should be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The Best place to buy oven and hob electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black design. Some models feature bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also are more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
But, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply configured with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob and oven to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.