A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and stoves can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it an elegant and contemporary look. Explore our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook many different food items and, for this reason it's crucial to select the best hob for your cooking style. If you're a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob to suit your needs.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are completely flat and frameless, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each controlled independently by an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another - ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular among chefs. They're also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off gas flow if there is an issue with the gas. However, they are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob that has been in use for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with electric or gas rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cast iron cookware and do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They are safer since there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks due to of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know whether the burner is running or off.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models and are therefore ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are better because you can move them easily. However, they're difficult to install and may require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They often feature sleek stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some models even have an energy boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than electric hobs that operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that emit no CO2 while in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while operating.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of every style, electric hobs offer a range of advantages over other types of cooker. They are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is taken off. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They are also a good choice for families with kids because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. For example, cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the burner is shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of an electric field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up faster than other types of hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many report a reduction in their overall energy bills when they change to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and create a burn danger.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The most basic one is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of more info the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all the options, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology have many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil senses when the pan is positioned. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for an elegant and seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen function properly.