15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Ignore Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are several different types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button. They also stop them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Some models use the halogen element, which is more efficient. They are able to heat the entire surface in successions of pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or Meal Prep an the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter to allow it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset 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) to power their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob and oven provides added security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated design requires special attention when using and cleaning the best hob uk to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models come with an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the temperature. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a hassle for those who reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe Registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a substantial market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become popular with our customers who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans instead of a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick pans are all compatible however they require 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 variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. The hob displays the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
One of our most popular models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range in order 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 magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer an elegant look and are designed to match all kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly made from glass, which is clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to make room for larger pans and others include a power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular due to their contemporary and clean look that is in line with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most from them. They may also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.