5 Killer Quora Answers To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like the rotary, touch or position controls. They allow you to control the heating zones at the press of a button. They also stop them being knocked over easily especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use an element that radiates heat through the surface of the glass. Some models employ the halogen element, which is more powerful. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the contact. This helps prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs and ovens with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. It can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to register. We also have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware as well as the air surrounding it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob and oven adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires a special attention when using and cleaning the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame is then controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to adjust the level of heat as needed. Depending on the model, a few gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be a problem if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. This is why it is essential to install a gas hob (Nzdao published a blog post) only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular however, there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you'll need to have suitable cookware for it. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have 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.
There are a range of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to high-end brands with TFT displays with a full menu of operation. The hob will show the pan's location in full-color when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction ovens hobs that have a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who prefer the ease of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can also look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that is in line with the designs of today's kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. For instance they cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply configured with the correct cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll require a set of compatible induction pans to get the best from them. They are more expensive because they require more energy.
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why don't you take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you select the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you want.