5 Lessons You Can Learn From Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it a a sleek and modern feel. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using various cooking rings, which can range between four and six power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Each home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food items). It is used to cook various meals, and as such, it's important that you select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each one operated independently by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure that stop the gas supply in case of a leak. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are harder to clean because of 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 with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models and are therefore ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are also less expensive to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a company that produces renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed 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. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame goes out, so you don't risk accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be a problem 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 still have all the features that are typical of gas models, but emit no CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide many advantages over other types of cooker. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. They are also a good choice for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's crucial to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid any serious damage make sure that the hob is completely shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize magnets instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs have a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves which can become extremely hot and create a burn danger.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options that are the simplest being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all options, and lets you adjust the power levels, set timers and more. Hobs induction with more advanced technology have many small copper coils grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil senses the time when the pan is positioned. It then activates the coil to fit the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen work properly.