The Ultimate Guide To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pans and pots. There are several different types of hobs available, such as electric, gas, and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. These allow you to control the heating zones with the click of a button and prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratches and residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and functioning effectively, you should maintain an ongoing cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or a scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface, that generate heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models employ a radiant element that emits heat from the surface of the glass. Other models use halogen elements which are far more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in multiple pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Many ceramic hobs we sell have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic stove. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This promotes uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that could cause under or overcooked food. You should also avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an the 'I Flex zone. It can be used to accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has minimum dimensions of 30cm to allow it to register. We also have models with an auxiliary heater that allows for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that can give you peace of peace of. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as gas cooker or gas stove is a kitchen appliance that uses the flammable natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This elevated design requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.

The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a a match. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas is ignited automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This allows for greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be an issue if you live in an area with an unreliable or erratic supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. This is why it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have gained in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's cost of utility and infrastructure before choosing a type.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favourite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be simpler than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There are a variety of induction hobs that are available, from budget models up to high-end brands with TFT displays with a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will display its position on the full colour display, with a control button or slider enabling you to alter the power setting or set the timer. There are many innovative accessories, including pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most popular models is an induction hob that includes a built-in extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields in the kilohertz frequency range to generate heat that indirectly affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at an interval of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are sleek and designed to match most kitchen styles. They are a great option for those who like the ease of using touch controls rather than dials, and offer a variety of options to fit your cooking requirements. They are mostly constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have the option of combining two zones in order to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity due to their modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the appropriate cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Why not check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your current hob? We can help you select the ideal oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. hobs and ovens provide an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.