14 Common Misconceptions About Oven Hob

Types of Oven Hob

A hob is a flat cooking surface that sits above your oven with hob to heat your pans and pots. There are a variety of types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction.

Find features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. They let you control the heating zones by the touch of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily especially by children.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great option for modern kitchens that are mixing style and function. The glossy surface is susceptible to damage from food scratch marks and other residues. To keep your cooktop looking good and working efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pad.

These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface that generate heat when they are activated through control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Some models employ Halogen elements that are more efficient. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.

Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface is hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.

For optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that the pans are flat-bottomed, which helps to ensure uniform heat distribution and helps to avoid hot spots that can cause under or overcooked food. Also, avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.

To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan to allow it to register). Alternatively, we also offer models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of specific areas or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to avoid overheating. This is a useful security feature to have in place to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a preset period of time.

Gas Hobs

Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) as their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which provides extra safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires special attention when cleaning and operating the hob and oven to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.

A traditional gas hob is ignited by a match or by an igniter, and the burners are controlled by hand. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled through the control knobs making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.

Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which could be an issue when you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to choosing a type.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not a heated plate or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils detect its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.

As with other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.

The primary drawback with cooking induction is that you'll need to have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need a magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.

A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on a full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that stick to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.

Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space since it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's standard value for the magnetic density at the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.

Electric Hobs

The best electric hobs provide sleek design and are designed to match all kitchen designs. These are great for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and are available with a range of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in a white or black design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to make room for larger pans. While others come with a power boost button for extra heat when you're doing something difficult.

Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide the highest level of security. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the surrounding air.

There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We recommend having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans to get the most value from them. They are also more expensive to run since they typically consume more energy than other types of hobs.

Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are ready to talk you through your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.