20 Things You Must Be Educated About Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hobs, including gas, electric and induction.
Find features such as the rotary, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing one button. They also prevent them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent option for modern kitchens, mixing style and function. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it in good shape and functioning effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electric current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have Halogen elements that are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in repeated pulses.
A lot of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
It is essential to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, as this promotes even heating and stove helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be undercooked or Hob and Oven overcooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass tempered.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring designs or an '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). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry or searing steak. Some models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety 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 no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known 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 the air around it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which offers additional safety by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. However, this elevated construction requires particular attention when cleaning and operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids on the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by an igniter or the pilot light, and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame can be controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to adjust the heating level according to the need. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners to give you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which can be an issue if you live in a place with a sporadic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to guard against dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While electric and induction hobs are getting more popular but there is a significant market for gas appliances in some regions. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our clients seeking modern and stylish kitchens. They use magnetism to warm the pans, not an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located under the glass ceramic surface. A current of alternating electricity is pushed through them. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker, the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or the pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other types of modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to keep clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. 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, from budget models to premium brands with a TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will display the position of the pan on the full-colour display when it is placed in an area of power. A control button or slider lets you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware to communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs equipped with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at a distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best oven electric hobs provide an elegant look and are designed to fit all kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls to dials, and come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass that is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some have 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 difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and provide a high degree of safety. For instance, they tend to cool quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also tend to be more efficient because the magnetic field generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an induction hob - most require a specific power supply with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They are also more expensive to operate because they typically consume more energy than other hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive collection of kitchen appliances if you're considering a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can help you choose the perfect oven hob to match your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and discuss the options with you. We provide the delivery service across the country and can even install your new appliance for you should you wish us to.