Types of Ovens
The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are different hob designs to choose from such as electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use household cleaners. They don't have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly or children. They typically have controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and a residual heat indicator that warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than an electric hob, but cheaper than induction models. They can be a good option for those who do not have gas in their home. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs however only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove professionally installed could void the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically integrated into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit manually with a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any way.
The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require an air supply and gas system to function, which makes them more expensive to set up than electric models. Additionally, they may not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much more quickly than gas models, and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that are compatible with induction and cost more than other types of hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available in both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those who want to build an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of model can get very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan designs where they can be a focal point. It requires a space and is typically fitted by a professional who will be able to handle the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular option for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. In the glass surface, there are coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top, emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This generates heat which quickly warms the food within, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned as being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the area in which the pan is set, which reduces energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This can reduce waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with various types of controls, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with just one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs and have a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are a different option. They have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs come with integrated extractors that work with the hood to clear steam and smoke from the kitchen, and to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are usually activated by sensors or buttons and can be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in a cooking zone.
The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pot has to be magnetic to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetized base, and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction cooktops. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible before purchasing the model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen, but need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens You can mix and combine to create a modular cooking area that suits your needs.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn warm your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. However, they do take a little time to heat up and cool down and are more expensive to run than other hob types.
The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic substrate to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob a fast and flexible choice. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less efficient than other hobs.
best hob uk are an innovative and becoming increasingly popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more affordable and environmentally friendly than other hob styles however they are more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktop are a fashionable and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and also the option of having dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which will alert you if your hob is hot to touch and may cause burns. A pause function can temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.