A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel 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 the various 'cooking rings' designs that have between four and six different power levels. It can take some time to get them heated up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook various meals and for this reason it's crucial to select the best hob to suit your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs have a frameless, flat design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and permit precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they are equipped with safety systems for flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in the event there is a leak. However, they're less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating the surface of the traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.
You can get gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The former are the best choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen because you can easily relocate them later. They aren't easy to install and might require you to cut into your finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They often feature sleek stainless steel trims that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touchscreen controls, and some even feature the power boost feature, which enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs come with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply when the flame is out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally igniting the fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer many advantages over other types of cooker. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less heat remains behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than some gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. They are also a good choice for families with kids since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down quicker, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, but they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term due to their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. For instance, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours because they could indicate an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will help prevent any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use an electric field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat faster than other hobs and reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can become very hot and can pose a fire hazard.
Most induction hobs come with different control types that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all options and allows you to change power levels, set timers and more. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology have numerous small copper coils that are grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil is able to detect the moment that the pan is positioned. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to look over our other appliances too best ovens and hobs including refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your whole kitchen working as it should.