A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six power levels. It may take a while to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare many different meals and for this reason it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a pro chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they can be less energy-efficient than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob and have been used for many years. They feature a flat top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer since there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its speedy heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or not.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The latter are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to put in and might require you to hack into your carpentry work. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that lets you increase the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're being used. Known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the features that are typical of a traditional gas model however they don't emit CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every design. They have a variety of advantages over other types. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are click here also easier to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those with children, since they aren't likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be replaced in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that 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 over the long run due to their high efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. Be on the lookout for gas odours because they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use an electric field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat faster than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features like automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. 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 area. The majority of hobs come with an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also thought to be more secure since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can become very hot and can pose a fire risk.
The majority of induction hobs have different control types with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that shows all options and allows you to adjust the power levels, set timers and more. More advanced induction hobs have numerous small copper coils tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet underneath each one will be able to detect the moment you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be easily integrated into kitchen units to create a seamless and sleek look. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.