A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by different looking 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere between four and six power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook all manner of meals, and as such it's crucial to choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are completely flat and frameless, adding to the sleek design of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they are equipped with safety systems for fire failures that stop the gas supply in the event there is leaks. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional form of the hob and have been used for many years. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas and have no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some have a visible flame indicator that indicates whether the oven is on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are better because you can move them easily. They can be difficult to put in and might require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touchscreen controls and some models even have an energy boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs come with a safety system that automatically shuts off gas supply when the flame has gone out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally igniting a fire. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 while they're in use. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the standard features of traditional gas models however they don't emit CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
A popular choice for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide a range of advantages over other types of cooker. They are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, which means less heat is left behind after the cookware is taken off. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Most often found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. They're also a great option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be replaced in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, however they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and the way they convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it is important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It's also important to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour as this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. Make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize an electric field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for efficiency. Many report reductions in their overall energy costs when they change to one. They are also considered to be safer as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and pose a burn risk.
Most induction hobs come with different types of controls, the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you adjust the power levels or set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include many small copper coils, tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will sense the pan you are placing it. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances too including fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.