Why You'll Need To Find Out More About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and HobsStoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it an elegant and contemporary look. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare many different meals, and as such it is essential to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. Whether you are a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are flat and frameless, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They are quick to heat up and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there is an issue with the gas. They can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob and have been around for many years. They have a flat-topped top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some have a visible flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The latter are a better option when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as they can be moved easily later. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your final carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that lets you boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. These gas hobs that are zero-emission,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and elegant appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired if damaged.
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 to heat directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. It is also essential to keep an best oven uk eye out for any signs of gas odour, as it could indicate an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to prevent any serious damage. This will also help prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up faster than other types of hobs and can 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 automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people report dips in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and pose a burn danger.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control options. The simplest is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all options and allows you to easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet under each coil is able to detect when the pan is placed. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves are available as freestanding models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Make sure to check out our other appliances, too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running as it should.