15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Oven Hob
Wiki Article
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also stop them from being smashed easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat from the glass's surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and can heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them especially suitable for quick cook times.
A lot ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some also have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is important to use the right cookware for your ceramic stove. This ensures that your pans have a flat bottom, which promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. It is also important to avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking, we recommend our ceramic hobs with dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have an oven that is at least 30cm in diameter in order for it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific areas or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel if you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, sometimes called a gas cooker or gas stove is a kitchen appliance that uses flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the 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 offers additional security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated design requires special care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with an igniter or an igniter and the burners are controlled manually. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area that has an erratic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid harmful corrosion and leaks. This is why it is crucial to install a gas hob only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide an expert installation and adhere to strict oven with hob safety protocols.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is crucial to evaluate the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas counterparts to clean. To keep your induction hob as fresh as new, all you need is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron 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.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs that are available starting from the cheapest models to high-end brands with a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's location on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It makes use of magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency range in order to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and come with a variety of options that can meet your cooking needs. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers and come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply that is fitted with the appropriate breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may cost more because they require more energy.
Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your old hob? We can assist you in choosing the ideal oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you wish.