A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up with various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are frameless, flat design that enhances the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones each one operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and permit precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is an issue with the gas. They can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat-topped top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or not.
hobs and ovens cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice since they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touchscreen controls and some have a a power boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have a safety system that automatically stops gas supply when the flame is out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally setting off the fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a standard gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other types. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite option for families with children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can be repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves but they will save you money in the long run due to their efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly cleaning out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas smells, since they could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician to help if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also help to avoid any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
The modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many report an improvement in their energy usage when they change to one. They are also thought to be more secure since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and can pose a fire risk.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic is an easy touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others come with an entire display that shows all options and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils tightly placed under the cooktop. the magnet beneath each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen appliances for an elegant and seamless look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances as well such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning exactly as it should.