Types of Oven Hob

A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven with hob to heat your pans and pots. There are various types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.

Look for features such as the rotary, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, particularly if they are used by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from cooking and food residues that are burned on. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated via control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.

Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.

For maximum performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a useful security feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. This design is elevated and requires extra attc base and release heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.

Like other types of modern hobs, the induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.

Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need 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 variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will show the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.

Electric Hobs

The best ovens uk electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. Most are made from glass that is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high level of security. For example they cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.

However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best from them. They are more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.

If you're considering building a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.