A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and stoves can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it an elegant and contemporary look. Shop our entire oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs are heated by a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. It can take a few minutes for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top 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, so it is crucial to select the best hob for your needs. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who values precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a cooker to suit your needs.
Induction and electric stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safer because they have built-in safety systems to prevent fire failures that stop the gas supply in case of leaks. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob that has been in use for many years. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular option for home cooks because of its fast heating capabilities and simple control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction models or electric models, which makes them perfect for kitchens that are busy. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a company which generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls, and some even feature a power boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. best hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric ones, and they allow for precise temperature control.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 while they're in use. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the features that are typical of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while in operation.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of every style electric hobs have a range of advantages over other types of cooker. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat remains behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate than gas.
Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and stylish appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a favorite choice for those with children, since they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves however they can save you money in the long run due to their high efficiency.
Despite their simple design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. They heat up faster than other stoves and can save you energy over time. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and many have safety features like automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates the magnetic field for heating. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and pose a burn 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 alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with numerous small copper coils that are grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil is able to detect when the pan is positioned. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a a sleek, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure you check out our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running just as it should.