A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food). ovens uk Ovens & Hobs is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for your needs. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your needs.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a an even surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, making them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they are equipped with safety systems for fire failures that stop the gas supply in case there is leaks. However, they're less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob that has been in use for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cast iron cookware and do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks due to of their fast heating capabilities and ease of control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The former are the best choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since you can easily relocate them later. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to cut into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have the power boost feature, which boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas when the flame is gone to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
It's important to note that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't produce any CO2 while they're being used. Known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 whatsoever while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left behind as the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer an elegant and fashionable appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite option for families who have children, as they're unlikely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. For instance, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It is also essential to look out for any signs of gas odour since this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage make sure that the stove is shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also help to prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other types of stoves and can reduce energy consumption over the course of. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many people report reductions in their overall energy costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can be very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is a simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils, tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will be able to detect the moment you place your pan. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.