3 Reasons You're Oven Hob Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including electric, gas and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and control of the position. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently, you should maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
These hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat through the surface of the glass. Others use halogen elements, which are much more powerful and heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is crucial to choose the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats the cookware and surrounding air, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob provides added security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires particular care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by an igniter, and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the level of heat. Depending on the model, certain gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which could be problematic if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is crucial to install a gas stove only after consulting a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
While 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, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration your kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans instead of a heated surface or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is more efficient than gas stoves that are traditional and more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to feel and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick and cast iron, must 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 are a range of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature a TFT display with a full menu of operation. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on the full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many clever accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. There are no health risks to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to fit the majority of kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who prefer the ease of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to suit your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of security. For instance they cool faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the contact. They also work more efficiently since the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is paired with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a certified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the best from them. They can also be more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob then why not take a look at our extensive range of appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you'd like.