A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs provide heat via different cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for you. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who values precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your needs.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs are flat, frameless design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety mechanisms for fire failures that will shut off the gas supply in the event there is leaks. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources.
There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to rip out the finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, which makes them easier to clean. They usually have sleek, stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 when in use. Known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the features that are typical of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any design. They offer a number of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to have hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a favorite choice for those with children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired when damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, however they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out the grates and burner caps regularly. It is also essential to watch for any indications of gas odour, as this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect a problem. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the burner is shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also help prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of an electric field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other types of hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. hob and oven of hobs have a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and create a burn hazard.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all options, and lets you adjust the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature numerous small copper coils that are grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil senses when the pan is placed. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a a sleek, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Make sure to check out our other appliances, too including fridge freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running just as it should.