A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings' designs that have between four and six different power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home is incomplete without an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can bake and roast food items). It is used to prepare many different food items and, for this reason it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob to meet your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs have a flat, frameless design that enhances the modern look of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones each controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages in another - ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and permit precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off gas flow if there's an issue with the gas. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the surface like 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 may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for home cooks due to its speedy heating functionality and easy control. You can usually find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the oven is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, making them ideal for kitchens that are busy. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The former are the best choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to cut into the finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and provide precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for eco-conscious customers. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 at all while they're being used. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the standard features of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired in the event of damage.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric stoves, however, they will save money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours since they could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the stove is shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will also help to avoid any accidental spills or fires!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize a magnetic field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and can help save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many report reductions in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heating the oven hob pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get extremely hot.
Most induction hobs come with various control options with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that displays all the options, and lets you change power levels as well as set timers, and more. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the time when the pan is positioned. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.