Hobs: The Secret Life Of Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
ovens and hobs uk and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six power levels. They can take some time to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking efficiency appliance that can roast and bake food items). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's crucial to select the best oven uk hob for you. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are flat and frameless, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using the use of a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they are equipped with safety mechanisms for flame failure, which will shut off the gas supply in case of a leak. They can be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due to the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob and have been used for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly rather than heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know whether the burner is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction models or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can be cheaper to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice because you can move them easily. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims, that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls, and some even feature an energy boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame goes out and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. Known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of a traditional gas model but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all types, electric hobs offer a range of advantages over other types of cookers. Electric hobs heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They're also a great choice for families with children as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and are easily repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any 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 nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simple design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. It's also important to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour, as this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It's best hobs to call an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help prevent any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other types of stoves, and can help you save energy over the course of time. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field for heating. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom as well as an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and create a burn hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all the options available, and allows you to change power levels and set timers. Induction hobs with more advanced technology come with numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil is able to detect the moment that the pan is positioned. It will activate the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Be sure to look over our other appliances as well including fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning as it should.