Five Killer Quora Answers On Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pots and pans. There are different types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include touch, rotary and control of the position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily particularly by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a modern kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by cooking and food residues that are burned on. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are much more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them especially suitable for cook times that are quick.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface is hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For maximum performance, it is important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll require a pan that has at least 30cm in size to allow it to register. We also have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have to provide peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats the cookware and the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers extra security by preventing your body from coming in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated design requires extra attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light and the burners are manually controlled. The latest models have an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to alter the temperature. Based on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
One of the major drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a challenge if you reside in an area that has an unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe Registered Fitters who can guarantee a safe installation and follow strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are gaining popularity, there is still a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well as local prices for energy and availability. As a result, it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and cook the pan or pot directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to feel and easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. To keep your induction hob fresh as new, all you require is a damp cloth.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you'll need have the right cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and some non-stick cookware are compatible, but they must have an induction-compatible 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 an extensive operating menu. The hob displays the pan's position on a full-color display when it is placed in the power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric ovens hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen styles. These are great for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and are available with a wide range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some come with a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others include an energy boost button to provide extra heat when you're doing something particularly tricky.
Induction hobs are becoming more popular because they provide a modern and sleek design that fits in well with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of security. They tend to cool faster than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that stays on when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They also work more efficiently, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an electric hob. The majority of them require an electrical supply that is paired with the appropriate cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans to get the most benefit from them. They can also be more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can assist you in choosing the perfect oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.