Why Ovens Hobs Might Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of Ovens The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and there are different hob types to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino. Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they require a bit of time to warm up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms and could also come with heat indicators. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, from traditional electric and gas burners to more modern designs. The majority feature an opaque black surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips. The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one sweep – you can even use most standard kitchen cleaner products. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safe for families with elderly or children. Most of the time, they have controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if a zone remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven. They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be a good option for those who don't have gas in their home. Like induction models, these can be more efficient if you use cookware with a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element. It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done correctly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and create potential fire dangers in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use. Gas Hobs Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit by hand using matches or lighters. They are controlled by knobs that alter the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying. Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system for operation. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks. Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They use electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models and provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a bit more expensive than some other types of hobs. hob uk include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is usually the best choice for those looking to add a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool and heat down than gas or electric models. Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional choice that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan designs where they can be a focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly. Hobs induction A popular option for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool. Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. They only heat the space where the pan is located, which reduces energy consumption and waste. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there is no pan or if it is removed. This reduces waste. Like gas hobs and induction models have various types of controls that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you to adjust the power level in a simple motion. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and come with a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are a different option. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and alter settings. Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated by an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when an oven is placed over a cooking zone. The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing the latest model. Domino Hobs The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with smaller kitchens but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill. The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements heated by sealed plates that then heat your cookware. These are easy to use, cheap and durable. However, they may take a bit of time to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive to operate than other hob types. The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob a quick and responsive option. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, and are also less energy efficient than other hobs. Induction hobs, a new type of hob becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware. Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern option, with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls according to your preference. When you are buying a new stove, be sure to look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element once it reaches an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that will alert you to an overheated hob. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.