Types of Ovens & Hobs
The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting modern and sleek design and are easy to use. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the tempered-glass surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to scratches and chips.
They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. These hobs do not have open flames, therefore they are safer for families with children or elderly relatives. Most of the time, they have rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator for residual heat that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who do not have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if the cookware you use has flat bases that maximize the contact surface with the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the identical size of your appliance will not be recognised by the heating system so will not function properly.
It is essential to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob since working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit manually using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric hobs and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.
The downsides of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and are a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models, and is the ideal choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this model can become very hot and takes longer to cool and heat than electric or gas 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 a focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is usually fitted by a professional who will be able to handle the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking for an elegant, efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to run through its base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are electric or gas. Because they produce heat directly where a pan is situated, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. This helps to reduce energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety function that shuts off the hob in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing waste.
Induction models, like gas hobs come with a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and lets you alter the power level in one simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors that 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 hobs and are usually activated via the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically turn on when the pan is placed over a cooking zone.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special kind of cookware in order to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base in order 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 with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always check the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that is suited to your needs.
Solid plate hobs are the most basic kind of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. They are easy to use, cheap and long-lasting. They may take a while to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. This kind 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 are a new and increasingly popular type of hob, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs However, they can be more expensive than gas and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly into your worktop are a fashionable and modern option. 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 using buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.
Things to look for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.