5 Killer Quora Answers On Oven Hob
Types of oven hob (my latest blog post)
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used 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. To keep your hob and oven looking well-maintained and oven operating efficiently, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans have a flat bottom, which promotes even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful security feature to have for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a problem for those who reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and oven hob is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas best hobs uk to wash. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have 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 range of induction stoves is available, ranging from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its location on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are a variety of clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best ovens and hobs electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of use of touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Some have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. For instance they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that is on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.