11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Oven Hob
Types of Oven hob and oven
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also protect them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is essential to keep it in good shape and hobs functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat through the glass's surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan in order for it to register). There are models that have an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this design requires a special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with a match. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be a problem if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and concerns about the environment and local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. A quick wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. All pans including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have a magnetized base. 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 hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories available, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best ovens electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that will suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made from glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black style. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with the power boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide 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 contact. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob and oven installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They may also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.