15 Things You Didn t Know About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare all manner of meals, and as such it is essential to select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that improves the elegant appearance of any kitchen. They come 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 and sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have a smooth surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety mechanisms for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event there is a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not the best oven choice for cookware made of cast iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame, and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric 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 usually find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you if the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a company which generates renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touchscreen controls and some have a the power boost feature, which enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have a safety system that automatically shuts off the gas supply when the flame is out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally setting off the fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 while they're being used. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a conventional gas stove but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide many advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cost less to operate than gas models.
Typically seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer a sleek and elegant appearance that's easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a favorite choice for parents with children, since they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be replaced if damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll help you save money on energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls, and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas odours as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to contact a gas professional for assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the stove is shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also help to prevent any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. They heat up faster than other stoves and can reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features like automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and can pose a fire risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic one is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is placed. It then activates the required coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Take a look at our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.
