A hob is a flat, elevated surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it looking good and working effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat to the glass's surface. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more powerful. They heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a set time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often known as a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which 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 risk of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a problem if you reside in an area with unstable or insecure supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and concerns about the environment, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible however they require an induction-compatible 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative gadgets, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that provides additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that blends well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. For example, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.
