A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this type are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that 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.
Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which promotes even heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. You should also avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to make it register. Alternatively, we also offer models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a set time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have in place for peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas stove or gas cooker, is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming in contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires special care when using or cleaning the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models feature an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas hob is that it requires a consistent supply of gas which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with induction cooking is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic 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.
A variety of induction hobs is available, from budget models to top brands that come with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set in a power zone the hob will show you its position on a full-color display. It also has a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are other clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power precisely.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density that was established 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 complement the majority of kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a wide range of options that will suit your cooking needs. Most of them are made from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black style. Certain models come with the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that provides extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs have become increasingly popular because they provide a contemporary and clean look that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. For example they cool quicker than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
But, there are a few things to consider when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an appropriate set of induction pans to get the most out of them. They are more expensive because they use more energy.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.
