A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They can take some time to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook a variety of methods, so it is crucial to select the best hob for you. If you're a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each operated independently by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring perfect for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe since they come with safety systems to prevent flame failure that shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. They may be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan's support and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular type of hob that has been in use for many years. They have a flat-topped top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer since there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or not.
They heat food quicker than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The former are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to install and might require you to hack into your carpentry work. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that lets you increase the power of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that emit no CO2 when they are in use. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the usual features of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families with children, since they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. They can heat and cool faster and are suitable for any type of 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 nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. It's also important to look for any indications of gas odour, as this could represent an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It's best to call a professional gas technician to help if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the stove is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use an electric field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This allows them to heat faster than other hobs and help save energy in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be best ovens and hobs more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can become very hot and create a burn risk.
Most induction cooktops come with different control types with the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the top of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all the options and lets you easily change power levels, set timers and more. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology have many small copper coils grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil detects when the pan is placed. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to fit the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working just as it should.