A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs provide heat via various cooking rings that can have anywhere between four and six power levels. It can take some time to get them heated up and cool down.
ovensandhobs in various types
Every home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food). It is used to cook various food items and, for this reason it is essential to select the best hob to suit your cooking style. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs are flat, frameless design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another. This is great for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they are equipped with safety systems for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event there is leaks. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob and have been used for a long time. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cookware made of cast iron and do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is turned on or off.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to run than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed 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. Certain models come with control knobs that are touch-sensitive, and some even feature an energy boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%..
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for eco-conscious customers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the features that are typical of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for those with children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be replaced when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long term due to their efficiency.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop with an anti-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 odours, since they could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to seek out a professional in gas to seek assistance. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled before cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use an electric field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat much more quickly than other hobs and save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs have a reputation for efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and create a burn risk.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The most basic one is an easy power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an all-inclusive display that displays all options and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will detect when you place your pan. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our complete range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.