15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Oven Hob

Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are a variety of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.

Look for features like rotary, touch or position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the touch of a button and prevent them from being tripped over easily especially by children.

Ceramic hobs and ovens

Ceramic hobs are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, that combine style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is key to keeping it looking good and working efficiently.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are far more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.

Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some also have child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings.

For maximum performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms because this ensures even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. You should also avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.

We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or the 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with at least 30cm in size to register. Additionally, we have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel if you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, often known as gas stove or gas cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides additional safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the risk of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when using and cleaning the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited in a controlled manner. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be problematic when you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance in order to prevent corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines.

Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular, there is still an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans rather than heating plates or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are positioned beneath the glass ceramic surface. An alternating electric current is passed through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.

Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.

The main limitation with induction cooking is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All cookware, including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron are required to have a magnetized base. 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 is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will show the pan's position on the full-colour display when it is in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the oven with hob using bluetooth to control the power.

Induction hobs with a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It uses magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.

Electric Hobs

The top electric hobs have a a sleek finish and are designed to match all kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and they come with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a black or a white design. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.

Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area gets hot to the touch. They also are more efficient since the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.

There are a few aspects to think about when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an appropriate set of induction pans to get the best hobs from them. They are also more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.

If you're thinking of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob then why not take an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you select the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are always ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide a nationwide delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you if you'd like us to.