Are You Getting The Most Of Your Oven Hob?
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features like the rotary control, touch or position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them from being tripped over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Ovens & Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with regular maintenance and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have a radiant element, which emits heat through the glass surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic stove. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or I-Flex’s 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 for it to register). Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots – great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of assurance. This function is activated by pressing “Power on the control panel when the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that make use of natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra security by preventing your body from coming into contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or an igniter and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to alter the heat level according to the need. Based on the model, a few gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a challenge if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Hobs made of gas should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and follow strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity however, there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider the utility costs of your kitchen’s infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs have become a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, sleek kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic’s surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than gas stoves that are traditional and more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have a base that is magnetic. 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 are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set an alarm. There are a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction stove that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection’s reference value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit all kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of use of touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include a power boost button for additional heat when doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that blends well with the modern designs of kitchens. They cook fast and provide a high degree of safety. For instance, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a ‘hot’ indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are some things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you’ll need an appropriate set of induction pans to benefit the most from them. They are also more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you’re considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even set up your new appliance for you should you wish us to.