A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via different looking 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six power levels. It may take a while for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook various food items and, for this reason it is essential to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones, each of which is 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 heat up quickly and have smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, making them popular among chefs. Gas hobs are also safer since they come with safety systems to prevent flame failure, which will shut off the gas supply in case of a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also harder to clean because of the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They feature a flat surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster at heating food than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are also cheaper to operate than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame is gone 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 permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of all types electric hobs have a range of advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Most commonly seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. They are also a good option for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, but they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out grates and burner caps regularly. Be on the lookout for gas smells, since they could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Always make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any serious damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use since 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 ceramic or glass that have 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 only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people report dips in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic one is the simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display that shows all the options, and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil senses the moment that the pan is positioned. The coil is activated when it is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Make sure to look over our other appliances as well such as dishwashers, fridge freezers and Best ovens UK washing machines to get your kitchen running as it should.