15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
Every home should have a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to prepare all manner of meals, and as such it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. If you're a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a frameless, flat design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Best ovens UK of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and permit precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they have built-in safety systems for fire failures that shut off the gas supply in case there is leaks. However, they're less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, with no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for home cooks due to its speedy heating functionality and easy control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-fry cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or off.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a company that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your completed carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some have a the power boost feature, which enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which can be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the standard features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other types. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They are also a good option for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired in the event of damage.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, that make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it is important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is making sure to replace any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. It is also essential to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour since this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect a problem. Always make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any severe damage. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other stoves, and can help you save energy over the course of time. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible cookware must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy bills when they change to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic is the simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils tightly connected beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or easily integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to contemporary copper and ceramic. Explore our other kitchen appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen function properly.