20 Resources That Will Make You More Efficient At Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Look for features like the rotary control, touch or position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning effectively.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated through control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats both cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this elevated design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with matches or an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the heating level according to your needs. Based on the model, some gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a challenge if you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need an iron base that is magnetized. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
A range of induction hobs is available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob using bluetooth to control the power exactly.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency band to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of use of control buttons instead of dials. They also come with a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some models have bridge features that allow you to connect two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to purchase a set compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They may cost more because they require more energy.
If you're thinking of the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob then why not take an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.