The Hidden Secrets Of 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 complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via different looking cooking rings that can range from four to six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
Every home is incomplete without an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for your needs. There is a hob for everyone, whether you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a an even surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and provide precise control, making them popular with chefs. They are also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there's an issue with the gas. They can be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob and have been around for a long time. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best hob choice for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer, as there's no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. There are usually models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since they can be moved easily later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They often feature sleek stainless steel trims, that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as a power boost function that allows you to increase the power of a specific burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off the gas supply once the flame goes out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally starting the fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the features that are typical of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide a range of advantages over other kinds of cookers. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat remains in the cookware when it is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for those with children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used for any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is looking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour, as this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It's best oven uk to call a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is that there is a problem. Always ensure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid severe damage. This will help avoid accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many have reported a reduction in their energy usage when they change to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and can pose a fire risk.
Most induction cooktops come with different types of controls with the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you change power levels as well as set timers, and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Take a look at our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.