Five Killer Quora Answers To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as rotary control, touch or position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is crucial to keep it looking good and working efficiently.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat to the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is essential to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could result in food being overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an I-Flex's zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with 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 the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a problem when you reside in an area with intermittent or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is largely due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs have become the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for an elegant, sleek kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to touch and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron ones, need 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.
There are a range of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will display its location on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, including pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power precisely.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space as it removes the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction ovens hobs it utilizes magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who prefer the convenience of use of touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass that is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with bridge features that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, and others include a power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity due to their modern and clean design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are some things to consider when selecting an induction hob which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best hobs out 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 current hob then why not take to look through our vast selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the perfect oven hob to suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions ovens and hobs uk discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.