What Is It That Makes Hobs So Popular?
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it a modern and sleek appearance. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake things in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare all manner of meals, and as such it's crucial to select the best hob for your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a master cook who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are flat, frameless design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and permit precise control, which makes them popular with chefs. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they can be less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the traditional design of the hob and have been around for decades. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware, and they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for home cooks because of its fast heating capabilities and simple control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Others have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easy to clean. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply once the flame goes out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally starting a fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric ones, and permit precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be a problem for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A popular choice for kitchens of all types electric hobs have many advantages over other types of cooker. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less heat remains in the cookware when it is taken off. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. 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 relatively cheap to run and can be easily repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll help you save money on energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is looking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the grates and burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, since they could be a sign of a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid serious damage ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other types of hobs and can save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features like automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can become very hot and pose a burn risk.
Most induction hobs come with different control types that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that displays all the options and allows you to change power levels or set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils, tightly connected under the cooktop. the magnet beneath each one will detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units for sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances, too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your whole kitchen working as it should.