A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens provide an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up with the various 'cooking rings designs, which have between four and six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook all manner of food items and, for this reason it is essential to select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance that will meet your needs.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek design of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring which is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety systems for flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in case of a leak. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs. They are also harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob that has been in use for a long time. They feature a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the whole surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly rather than heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice among home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. There are usually models that offer between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you if the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, which makes them perfect for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. They can be difficult to install and could require you to rip out your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that emit no CO2 while in use. Known as "zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the usual features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 at all while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat is left behind after the cookware is removed. Recommended Reading are more evenly heated and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with kids as their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be replaced if damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money in the long run due to their high efficiency.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas smells, because they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental spills and fires!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for efficiency. Many have reported a reduction in their energy usage when they change to one. They are also thought to be more secure since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire risk.
Most induction cooktops come with different control types with the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you alter the power levels or set timers. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils that are tightly placed under the cooktop. the magnet under each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It activates the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen appliances for an elegant and seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Be sure to check out our other appliances too, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.