10 Places Where You Can Find Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens hobs and hobs now.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook many different meals and for this reason it's crucial to select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that enhances the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sautéing the sausages on a different. This is perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat and provide precise control. Gas hobs are also safe since they come with safety systems for flame failure, which will shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. They can be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob and have been used for decades. They feature a flat surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware and don't distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer since there is no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular choice for cooks at home because of its fast heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens that are busy. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a provider that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The latter are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen since they are easy to move later. However, they are difficult to install and might require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive, and some even feature the power boost feature, which increases the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 while in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the standard features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
A common choice for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer many advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to have hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate than gas.
Most often used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can easily be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls, and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. It's also important to keep an eye for any indications of gas odour, as this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Make sure that the hob uk has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any serious damage. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. They are more efficient than other types of stoves, and will save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field for heating. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many have reported a reduction in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can be extremely hot.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with an all-inclusive display that displays all options and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. Induction hobs with more advanced technology have many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil is able to detect the time when the pan is placed. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens uk and hobs are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Make sure to look over our other appliances, too including refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to make sure that your whole kitchen working just as it should.