Test: How Much Do You Know About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home should have the kitchen hob uk, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones, each of which is independent of each other by a dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also safe, oven with hob built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there is an issue with the gas. However, they can be less efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the classic form of the hob and have been around for decades. They feature a flat top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cast iron cookware and do not evenly distribute heat across the whole surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, with no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating capability and easy control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or not.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are the best ovens and hobs uk choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to put in, and may require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, and are used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some models even have the power boost feature, which boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't release any CO2 at all while they're in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions,' 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 choice in kitchens of any style. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families who have children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas smells, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. Always make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid severe damage. This will also help stop accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other types of stoves and can help you save energy over the course of time. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and most have safety features, such as an automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature a "bridging zone" that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many people report an improvement in their overall energy costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. 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 risk.
Most induction cooktops come with different control types that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all options, and lets you change power levels, set timers and more. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet beneath each one will sense the pan you are placing it. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Check out our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.