The Unspoken Secrets Of Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs are heated by different cooking rings that can range from four to six power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top 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 cook a variety of methods, so it is important to choose the right hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a cooker to meet your requirements.
Induction and electric stoves are completely flat and frameless which adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply if there is a leak. However, they are less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating functionality and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or off.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. They aren't easy to install and could require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, which makes them easier to clean. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that lets you increase the power of a particular burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame is gone, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. hobs and ovens could be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are, however, models that don't release any CO2 at all while they're being used. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they still have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
A popular choice for kitchens of every style electric hobs have numerous advantages over other kinds of cookers. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less heat remains behind after the cookware is taken off. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Typically found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those who have children, as they're less likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily repaired if damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to contact a gas professional for assistance. Make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will help stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat faster than other hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and many have safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs have a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many people report a reduction in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and pose a burn danger.
Most induction hobs come with different control types, the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that displays all options and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers, and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be easily integrated into kitchen units to create sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.