10 Things Everybody Hates About Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Features to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic ovens hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. To keep your hob looking well-maintained and operating efficiently you must follow an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.
These types of hobs oven are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, which produce heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed. This helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility it is recommended to use ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give 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 predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats the 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 extra safety by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame. This reduces the chance of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas hob are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which could be problematic when you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are becoming more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is important to consider the cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers looking for an elegant and sleek kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Below the glass ceramic's surface are copper coils through which an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires you to make use of the correct cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware 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 range of induction hobs are available, from budget models to top brands that come with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with an integrated fan cut down on smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health-related effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best hob electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to fit most kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of use of touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For example they cool faster than gas cookers. They also come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking area is hot to the surface. They are also more efficient due to the fact that the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they often use more energy than other hobs.
Why not check out our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can help you select 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 an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.