A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings that can have anywhere from four to six power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a master cook who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a frameless, flat design that adds to the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their instant heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also secure because they have built-in safety systems for flame failure, which will shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional type of hob that has been in use for many years. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas and have no open flame, and are easy to wipe 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 as well as their ease of control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens that are busy. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are a better option when you're planning to redesign your kitchen since they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to cut into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature lets you increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame ceases to burn to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They are also less expensive than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for eco-conscious customers. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 while they're in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a standard gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every style. They provide a range 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 after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and stylish appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a great choice 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 when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and can be used for any cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is replacing or checking the heating controls, and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It's also important to watch for any indications of gas odour as this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help to prevent accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and help save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and most have safety features like automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field for heating. hyperlink -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. The majority of hobs have a "bridging zone" that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency and many people have reported 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 reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and pose a burn danger.
The majority of induction hobs have different control types with the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display which displays all options and allows you to change power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include many small copper coils that are tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will be able to detect the moment you place your pan. It then activates the required coil to fit the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen run smoothly.