A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your hob looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This prevents burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an the 'I-Flex' zone which can be used to accommodate two single pots or a 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 certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also called a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with an igniter or a pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it which makes it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem when you live in a region with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans rather than an evaporating surface or Ovensandhobs.Uk burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.Induction cooking requires that you 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.
There are a variety of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to high-end brands with a TFT display with an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will display the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made from glass, which is clean and stylish in black or a white design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers. They also have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker that will require a particular power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? 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 offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.
