Types of Ovens
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are different hob designs to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans that have a flat bottom and might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, offering modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use most common kitchen cleaners. They also don't have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people with family members or elderly relatives in the house. Most of the time, they have the option of a touch or rotary control to ensure safety as well as an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if an area is still hot after the pan is removed from the oven.
They cost more than a standard electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. best hobs ovensandhobs.uk can be a great option for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.
It's important to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit manually using matches or lighters, and controlled with various knobs that allow 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 requiring a gas supply and ventilation system for operation. This means they are more expensive 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.
Another popular choice is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and are a bit more expensive than other types of hob.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models and is usually the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this type can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional choice that's suitable for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts, where it can act as a focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnetic field that causes an electric current to pass through its base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more efficient in energy use than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which means less energy consumption and waste. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there isn't a pan or when it is removed. This reduces waste.
Induction models, like gas hobs come with various types of controls such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker, and allows you to adjust the power level with a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, which is typically found on more expensive and advanced induction models. They have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and alter settings.
Induction hobs are available with extractors integrated that work with the hood in order to clear steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are usually activated via an electronic sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking area.
Induction hobs are limited due to the requirement for special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to allow for 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 typically used with induction hobs, but you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before purchasing a new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen but still want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking space that suits your needs.
The simplest of hob types Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. They can take a long time to cool down and heat and are more costly 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 a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a quick and responsive choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of hob using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. They are more affordable and eco-friendly than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat-style design blending seamlessly into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and also the option of having dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
When purchasing a new stove, be sure to look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element when it gets to an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which will alert you if your hob is hot to touch and may cause burns. A pause function may temporarily disable the active cooking zones. This is useful if you have to leave the kitchen.