The History Of Ovens Hobs In 10 Milestones
Types of Ovens and Hobs uk
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether you're cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available and different hob styles that include electric, ceramic domino, and electric.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms and could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing a sleek and stylish aesthetic while remaining simple to use. Ceramic hobs function by making use of heating elements under the glass-tempered surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a range of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones, with the majority featuring a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and durable against scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use the majority of household cleaners. These hobs do not have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly or children. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator which warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven and hob.
They cost more than a basic electric cooker however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a great option for those who do not have gas on their residence. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system so will not function correctly.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit manually with a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to adjust the heat during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system to work. This means they are more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows the water to boil quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to note that this type can get very hot ovens and hobs takes longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's a good fit for kitchens that are larger and open-plan layouts where it can act as a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a popular option for those who want an elegant, efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a suitable pan is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This produces heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are electric or gas. Since they generate heat directly where a pan is placed this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It also helps save on energy costs. Many induction hobs feature the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This reduces waste.
Induction models, including gas hobs come with various control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles a standard cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with just one simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs and come with a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs come with integrated extractors which work with the hood to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and typically activated with a button or sensor and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require special cookware to function. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction ovens hobs, although you should always check the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen who still want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and combine to create a modular cooking area that is suited to your needs.
The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and durable. They can take a long time to cool down and heat and are more costly to operate than other types of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface in order to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a quick and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less energy efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs are a brand new and increasingly popular type of hob, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more economical and environmentally friendly than other hob styles however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern option with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless look and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.
