A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs are heated by different cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs because they provide instant heat and provide precise control. They are also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there is a leak. However, they're less efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob that has been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common option for home cooks due to its speedy heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know whether the burner is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. They can be difficult to put in, and may require you to rip out the finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently used, and are fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Some gas hobs come with an automatic safety feature that stops gas supply once the flame is out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting the fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 while in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they have all the standard features of gas models, but emit no CO2 whatsoever while operating.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide many advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to 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 often found 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 option for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and are easily repaired if damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to heat directly the pan. They can heat and cool faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money over the long run because of their efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. It is also essential to keep an eye for any indications of gas odour as this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid serious damage, always ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. They are more efficient than other stoves, and will reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also safer to use because the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and they are equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a "bridging zone" that can connect two zones to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for efficiency. Many people report an improvement in their overall energy bills when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire danger.
Most induction cooktops come with various control options that are the simplest being the simple power bar or touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all the options and allows you to change power levels or set timers. Modern induction hobs feature numerous small copper coils that are tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to take a look at our other appliances, too including fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.
