A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.
Find features such as buttons that rotate control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements that emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This prevents burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated design requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled by hand and lit using a matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the temperature. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be an issue if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous corrosion and leaks. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about your kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have 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 range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on a full-color display when it is placed in the 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 oven using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass, which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a black or white design. Some models have a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the right cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.
