A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this style are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures even heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can 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. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of assurance. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and the air around it which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be problematic when you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is largely due to consumer preference and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the utility and infrastructure costs before choosing a style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans, rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the appropriate cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have an iron base that is magnetized. 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 is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its location on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction cooker with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at a distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some come with bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include the power boost button to provide additional heat when doing something difficult.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. For instance they cool down faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
But, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to run since they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.
