Types of Ovens
The hob is the center of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from and different hob styles that include electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take a while to heat up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones and the majority of them have an opaque black finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one go. You can even use the majority of standard kitchen cleaner products. They don't also have open flames, making them a safer option for those with family members or elderly relatives in the house. They typically have the option of a touch or rotary control to increase safety, as well as an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven .
They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They could be a good option for those that do not have gas on their home. Like induction models, these can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore will not function correctly.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. Moreover, failure to get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically is installed inside your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled by a series of knobs that allow you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric models and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system to work. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose an hazard for safety since they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models, and provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with pots that are compatible with induction and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models, and is the best option for those who prefer modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to know that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's a good fit for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts, where it can be used as the focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is usually fitted by a professional who will be capable of handling the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that can pose risks if not handled correctly.
Hobs Induction
A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. In the glass surface, there are coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current that run through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the area where a pan is placed, which reduces energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs feature a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan or when it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Induction models, like gas hobs come with various types of controls including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and come with a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. ovens and hobs uk with touchscreens, which are typically found on more expensive induction models, with more advanced features, are an alternative option. They feature a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.
Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to clear steam and smoke from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated through a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when the pan is placed over a cooking area.
Induction hobs are limited due to the fact that they require specialized cookware to work. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all typically used with induction hobs, but you should always check the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those with a small kitchen but still are looking to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking space that is suited to your needs.
The simplest of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electric elements that are that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and durable. However, they do take a little time to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive to run than other hob types.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and responsive option. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs, which is a new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs however they are more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly into your worktop are a fashionable and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls, depending on your preferences.
Things to look for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.