A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. It may take a while to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to prepare many different food items and, for this reason it's crucial to select the appropriate hob to suit your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones, each of which is independent of each other by a dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They heat quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and permit precise control, making them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also safe since they come with safety systems for flame failure, which stop the gas supply in case there is leaks. However, they're less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the classic form of the hob that has been in use for many years. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating the surface of the traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the hob is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
You can get gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. However, they are difficult to install and might require hacking into your final carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that lets you increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they're still equipped with the features that are typical of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any design. They provide a range of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and elegant appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families with children, since they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however, they will save money in the long run because of their efficiency.
Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and clearing out grates or burner caps regularly. Be on the lookout for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will help stop any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. They heat up faster than other types of stoves and can help you save energy over the course of time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The simplest is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with an entire display that shows all the options available, and allows you to change power levels and set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology have many copper coils of varying sizes that are grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil senses when the pan is positioned. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units for hobs uk a seamless and sleek look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Make sure you check out our other appliances too including refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.