Types of Ovens Hobs

Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether you're boiling an kettle or roasting a chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric, and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up or cool off. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs and ovens have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. Ceramic hobs function by using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one sweep - you can even use most household cleaners. They also don't have open flames, which makes them a safer option for those who have young family members or elderly relatives in the house. They usually have control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if a zone remains hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.

They cost more than a basic electric cooker but are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a great option for those who do not have gas at their property. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you use cookware with a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.

It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob as working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and create 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

A gas hob and oven, or a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and typically is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled with various knobs that permit you to control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any manner.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose dangerous because they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much faster than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with pots that have an induction compatible design and cost more than other types of hobs.

Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which offers an elegant appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is usually the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to heat up and cool down compared to gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens that are large and open-plan designs in which they are an eye-catching feature. It requires a dedicated space and is usually fitted by professionals who are competent to manage the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.

Induction Hobs

Induction hobs are a popular option for ovens those who want an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located, which reduces waste and energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that will shut off the appliance if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further reducing the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs, induction models have a variety of control options, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial which can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, usually found on more expensive induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. They have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once an oven with hob is placed over a cooking zone.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pot has to be magnetic to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are all typically used with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to experiment with cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are the most basic type of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. These are easy to use, cheap and long-lasting. They may take a while to cool down and heat, Best Hobs and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and flexible choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and are susceptible to damage by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other hob types However, they can be more expensive than gas and require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

When buying a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element once it gets to a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily deactivate all active cooking zones and is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a time.