A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.The features to look for include touch, rotary and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food residues and scratches. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface is still hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures uniform heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans over the surface as this could scratch the glass tempered.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to make it register. Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots, which is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a great security feature that can give you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing "Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the possibility of burning. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with an igniter or an igniter, and the burners are manually controlled. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a problem if you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting a Gas Safe Registered fitter who can offer 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 the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. Therefore, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and generate heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All pans that include cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have a base that is magnetic. 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 variety of induction hobs available starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays with an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show you its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space, as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set 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 electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to match most kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass that is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of security. For instance, they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to warn you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan and doesn't heat the air around it.
There are some things to think about when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electrical supply that is set up with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be expensive and you'll need a set of compatible induction pans to get the most out of them. They may also be more expensive to run because they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you wish.
