15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. They let you control the heating zones at the press of a button, and also prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of at least 30cm in size to register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves or cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable, or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be problematic if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. This is why it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Below best oven uk are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils are able to detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
Induction cooking requires you to use the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible however they require a magnetic 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 stoves is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan in full-color when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. 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 top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most of them are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in white or black style. Some models have the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans while others come with the power boost button to provide an extra amount of heat when you're doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that fits in well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.