A hob is flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are various types of hobs available, including gas, electric, and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary or touch controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button. They also stop them from being easily knocked over, especially by children.Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat from the surface of the glass. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and prevents hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid dragging pans across the surface as this could scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature a dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This function is usually 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 set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful leaks and corrosion. This is why it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can offer professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show you its position on a full-color display. It also has an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are other clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob using bluetooth to control the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that 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 reference value for the density of magnetic fields for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can 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 to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and sleek design that blends well with the designs of today's kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most from them. They are also more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you choose the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.
