A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using different 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up before cooling down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking methods, and it's important to choose the right hob for your needs. If you're a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your needs.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another which is ideal 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 cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heating and precise control. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there is a leak. However, they can be less efficient than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer as there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common option for home cooks because of its fast heating capability and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The former are the better choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen because they can be moved easily later. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished 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 kinds of hobs. They often feature elegant, stainless steel trims, that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and the power boost feature lets you increase the power of a particular burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off the gas supply once the flame is out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally setting off an fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're being used. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they have all the standard features of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with kids because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used for any cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and their ability to convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. It's best to call an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Always ensure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to prevent any severe damage. This will help stop any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize an electric field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up quicker than other types of stoves, and can reduce energy consumption over the course of. They are also safer to use as the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features like automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current that creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. 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 area. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs, which can be extremely hot.
Most induction hobs have different control options. The most basic one is the simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display that shows all the 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 under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil senses the time when the pan is placed. It then activates the required coil to fit the pan's shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are hob and oven available as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure you take a look at our other appliances as well, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running exactly as it should.