The Reasons You'll Want To Learn More About Hobs
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it a an elegant and contemporary look. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now. Electric hobs heat up with various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down. Hobs of different types Every home should have an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to prepare all manner of meals, and as such it's crucial to choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. Whether you are a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob that will meet your requirements. Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek design of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring 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 they may take longer to heat up and cool down. Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, making them popular among chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they are equipped with safety systems to prevent flame failure, which stop the gas supply in case of leaks. They can be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners. Plate hobs have been around since decades. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cast iron cookware and do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface. Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer than gas and have no open flame, and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs. Gas hobs Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you whether the burner is on or off. They cook food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources. You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The latter are a better option when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because you can easily relocate them later. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes. Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some have a a power boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%. Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame is gone and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control. It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not 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 no CO2. Electric hobs Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas. Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for parents with children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can easily be replaced when damaged. Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used for any cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat. It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour as this could be a sign of an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. It's best to call an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. To avoid any serious damage make sure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help to prevent any accidental fires or spills! Hobs with induction Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize a magnetic field to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. They are more efficient than other types of stoves and can reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents. Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to allow for larger pans. Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many report a reduction in their energy usage when they change to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and create a burn danger. The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The most basic is a simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all options and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Hobs induction that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil detects when the pan is positioned. It then activates the required coil to fit the pan's size and shape. All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be easily integrated into kitchen appliances for an elegant and seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Be sure to look over our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.