Types of ovens and hobs uk

Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to warm up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans, best oven and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, offering an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use most common kitchen cleaners. These hobs do not have open flames, therefore they are safe for families with elderly or children. They typically come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that warns you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.

They cost more than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a great option for those that do not have gas at their home. Like induction models, these are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore will not function properly.

It is crucial to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and could cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled with knobs that allow you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat when compared to electric hobs. They can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

The drawbacks of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to set up than electric models. Additionally, they may not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require reguwhile the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area where a pan is placed which means less the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs feature an safety feature that shuts the hob off if there is no pan detected or if it is removed. This can reduce the amount of waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs, come with various control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs oven are a different option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

As an extra piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and typically activated with sensors or buttons, and they can also be programmed to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in an area for cooking.

Induction hobs and ovens are limited due to the fact that they require specialized cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pan has to be magnetic to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a new model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and match to create a modular kitchen that suits your needs.

Solid plate hobs are the most basic type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. However, they do take a bit of time to heat up and cool down and are more expensive to run than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic substrate in order to produce heat. This kind of hob is swift and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and are susceptible to damage by scratching the surface.

Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more affordable and green than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models feature sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.

The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active and can be helpful if you need to leave the kitchen for a time.