Types of Ovens
Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether boiling the kettle or roasting a chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available and a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric domino, and electric.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take a while to heat up or cool down. These hobs only work with pans that have flat bottoms. They could also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, offering a sleek and stylish aesthetic whilst remaining easy to use. They work by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. Most have an opaque black surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
These hobs have smooth, flat surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safer for families with elderly or children. They typically have rotary or touch controls for safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that warns you if the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the stove.
They are more expensive than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They could be a great option for those that don't have gas installed at their property. Like induction models they are more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if the cookware you use has a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognize pans and pots that aren't exactly the same dimensions as the element.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity could be hazardous if not done correctly. Failure to have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit manually using a match or lighter and are controlled by various knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any style.
Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also an hazard for safety since they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular option. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only use pans that are compatible with induction and are a bit more expensive than some other hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to clean. It is available on both electric and induction models and is usually the ideal choice for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this model can become extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is suitable for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can serve as a focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite option for those who want an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to pass through the base. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. As best ovens and hobs uk produce heat directly where the pan is located this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This also helps save on energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety function that stops the stove when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models have various types of controls, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level with a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and have a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on more expensive induction models with advanced features, are an alternative option. Hobs with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
In addition to the technology, induction hobs may be fitted with extractors built-in, which work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated through an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when a pan is placed over a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware to function. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base and certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs. However, you should always read the manufacturer's advice to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a smaller kitchen who still want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest type of hob, solid plate hobs use electrical elements heated by sealed plates that then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and durable. They can take a long time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob a quick and flexible option. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more eco green and economical than other hobs, but they are more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. 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 dials or touch controls, according to your preference.
Things to look for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of an overheated hob. A pause function can temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful if you have to leave the kitchen.