A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings, which can range from four to six different power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's essential to select the ideal hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless and add to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also secure since they come with safety systems for flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. They are less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional form of the hob and have been around for a long time. They have a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer since there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home because of its fast heating functionality and easy control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a provider which generates renewable energy sources.
You can get gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The former are a better option if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because you can easily relocate them later. They can be difficult to install and could require you to cut into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with a safety system that automatically stops gas supply once the flame goes out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally starting an fire. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. Fortunately, there are models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the usual features of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 at all while operating.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs have many advantages over other kinds of cooker. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, meaning less heat is left behind after the cookware is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with children as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however, they will save money in the long term because of their efficiency.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It's also important to keep an eye for any indications of gas odour as this could be a sign of a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to contact a gas professional for assistance. Always make sure that the hob has cooled completely before cleaning to avoid any severe damage. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. They heat up quicker than other stoves, and can reduce energy consumption over the course of. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the 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 a "bridging zone" that allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become extremely hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The simplest is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with an all-inclusive display that displays all the options available, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have numerous small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet under each one will detect the pan you are placing it. The coil is activated when it is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Be sure to look over our other appliances, too including refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working as it should.