A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking rings' that can range between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook many different meals, and as such it is essential to select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones each one operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe 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 allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there is leak. However, they're less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the traditional design of the hob and have been around for a long time. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas, with no open flames and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction or electric models, which makes them perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice since they can be moved easily. They can be difficult to put in and might require you to rip out your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls and some models even have a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the standard features of gas models, but emit no CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat is left behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, since they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it is important to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls and regularly cleaning out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas odours since they could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid serious damage. This will also help avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up faster than other stoves and can help you save energy over the course of time. best ovens and hobs are also safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many report an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become extremely hot.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you change power levels, set timers and more. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the time when the pan is positioned. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units for an elegant and seamless look. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.