5 Lessons You Can Learn From Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking cooking rings, which can range from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a master cook who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there is leak. They are less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best hobs choice for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They are safer, as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for home cooks due to its speedy heating capability and easy control. There are usually models that have between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are a better option if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because you can easily relocate them later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to cut into your carpentry work. This isn't the best hob choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that do not emit CO2 when in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a conventional gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other kinds of cookers. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat is left behind after the cookware is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.
Typically used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and elegant appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with kids as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves however they can save you money over the long run due to their efficiency.
Despite their simple design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. It's also important to watch out for any signs of gas odour as this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. Always make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid serious damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They use magnets instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other hobs, and they can save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible cookware must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many report a reduction in their energy usage when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic one is an easy touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all options and allows you to alter the power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature lots of small copper coils that are tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will detect the moment you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances, too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running as it should.