A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six power levels. They can take some time to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs of different types
Every home should have an oven, kitchen hob cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's important to choose the right hob for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a master cook who prefers precision or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones each one controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs because they provide instant heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe since they come with safety systems for flame failure that stop the gas supply in the event there is leaks. They are less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame, and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks due to of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is turned on or off.
They heat food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs provided you get electricity from a company which generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The former are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boil in no time.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off the gas supply once the flame has gone out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally starting an fire. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Luckily, there are now models available that don't emit any CO2 at all while they're in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a conventional gas stove, but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs have a range of advantages over other types of cooker. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat remains after the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. They are also a good choice for families with kids since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily repaired in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run because of their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. For instance, cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious make sure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will also help to stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heats the 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, the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that shows all the options and lets you easily adjust the power levels, set timers and more. Hobs induction with more advanced technology have numerous small copper coils that are that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil senses when the pan is placed. It then activates the coil to match the pan's shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen work properly.