This Is The Ultimate Guide To Oven Hob
Wiki Article
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to guard against harmful leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove website as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a base that is magnetic. 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.
A variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on the full colour display, with a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a modern and clean aesthetic that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. For example they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They can be more expensive because they use more energy.
Why not check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.