5 Clarifications On Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up with various 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six different power levels. It can take some time to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food items). It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric stoves are flat and frameless, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones, each of which is controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply if there's a leak. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob that has been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cast iron cookware and do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer, as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some also have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are also less expensive to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a provider which generates renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen since they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to install and could require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature lets you increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame is gone, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when in use. Known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the standard features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all types, electric hobs offer a range of advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Typically used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and elegant appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families who have children, as they aren't likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as well as looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. It's also important to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour as this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. It's best to call a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the stove is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help to avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize a magnetic field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many have reported reductions in their energy usage when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as 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 more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and create a burn risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control options. The most basic is an easy touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all the options available, and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. More advanced induction hobs have numerous small copper coils that are tightly grouped together below the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect the pan you are placing it. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a a sleek, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen function properly.