A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings, which can range from four to six power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook a variety of methods, so it is essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a cooker to suit your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are flat, frameless design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in case of a leak. They can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional type of hob that has been in use for a long time. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They are safer, as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. You can usually find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some have a visible flame indicator that indicates whether the oven is on or off.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs, if you utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are the best choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen because they can be moved easily later. However, they are difficult to install and might require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have sleek, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be a problem for people who are concerned about the environment. Fortunately, there are models available that don't emit any CO2 at all while they're being used. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of gas models, but emit no CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide a range of advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They're also a good option for families with children as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves however they can save you money in the long term due to their high efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and clearing out burner caps or grates regularly. It's also important to watch out for any signs of gas odour since it could indicate an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. Always make sure that the hob is cool completely before cleaning to avoid any serious damage. This will also help to avoid any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs and can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate 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 more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more suitable for children than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and pose a burn risk.
The majority of induction hobs have different control types that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all the options, and lets you change power levels or set timers. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils, tightly placed under the cooktop. the magnet under each one will sense the pan you are placing it. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be neatly integrated with your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our range includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen function properly.