Types of Ovens
Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and there are various hob types to choose from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they require a bit of time to cool down or heat 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, offering an elegant and fashionable look and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs work by employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a range of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.
They have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't also have open flames, making them an ideal choice for people with children or elderly relatives in the house. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and a residual heat indicator which warns you when an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than a standard electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model and can be a good option for those that don't have gas installed at their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans that aren't exactly the same dimensions as the element.
It is essential to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, as working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed can void the warranty and create potential fire dangers in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It has a variety of burners that can be lit manually using a match or lighter and are controlled by knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any style.
Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply system and ventilation to function. This makes them more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a little more expensive than other hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models and is often the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to note that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more conventional choice that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts in which they are the focal point. It requires a designated space and is typically installed by a professional who will be competent to manage the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
A popular option for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnet field that creates an electric current to pass through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. As they only produce heat directly where a pan is situated this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It can also help reduce energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature that stops the stove if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further reducing the amount of waste.
Induction models, like gas hobs, come with various control options including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you alter the power level by one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are usually found on more expensive induction models, with more advanced features, are another option. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
In addition to the tech, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are typically activated by sensors or buttons and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed on a cooking zone.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a particular kind of cookware in order to operate. best hob uk ovensandhobs.uk of the pan needs to have a magnetic base to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has magnetized bases, and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction hobs. However, you must always check with the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible prior to purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those with a small kitchen but still want to experiment with cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate hobs are the most basic kind of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. However, they can take a little time to cool down and heat down and tend to be more expensive than other hob types.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive since the bulbs light up quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but they are more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly into your worktop are a fashionable and modern choice. They add fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless look and can be customized with dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it gets to a dangerous temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which will alert you if your hob is too hot to point of contact and can cause burns. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This can be helpful if you have to leave the kitchen for a while.