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 full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings designs that come with between four and six different power levels. It can take some time to get them heated up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake your food 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 to suit 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 seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a frameless, flat design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is great for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. They are also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's a leak. They can be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob that has been in use for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cast iron cookware and do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer, as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The latter are the best choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. However, they're difficult to install and could require hacking into your final 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. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that lets you increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the usual features of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Most often used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and stylish appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a preferred option for families who have children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used for any cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates and burner caps regularly. It's also important to watch out for any signs of gas odour as this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. Always ensure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid serious damage. This will also help to stop accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use magnets instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field for heating. Induction-compatible pans must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs hobs uk are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get extremely hot.
Most induction hobs have different control options. The simplest is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all options and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet under each one will sense when you place your pan. It activates the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.