A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include touch, ovensandhobs rotary and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, particularly if they are used by children.Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with a regular routine and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially ideal for cooking in short time.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have a dual-ring design, or 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is great for searing steak and stir-fry. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to avoid overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes known as a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance for kitchen use that makes use of an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. 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 hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in a place that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas beneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pot or pan itself. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas counterparts to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need 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 hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options that can meet your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in white or black style. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button to provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. For instance, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers. They also have a "hot" indicator light that is on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the surface. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.But, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They may also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide delivery service and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.
